[imagesource:freemalaysiatoday.com]

A Cape Town e-hailing driver is about to make his grand debut in Simon’s Town Magistrate’s Court after allegedly swiping more than just a ride—he’s now facing charges of fraud to the tune of R650,000.

The 30-year-old Zimbabwean driver was nabbed by Western Cape police after some quick thinking and even quicker legwork from the Simon’s Town squad. The man was arrested Wednesday, following a rather audacious move during a late-night ride from Cape Town to Simon’s Town.

Apparently, a 21-year-old Danish passenger was taking a nap while his e-hailing chauffeur allegedly helped himself to a credit card, and well, let’s just say he used it like it was his own personal spending spree across Europe.

“The suspect sent the information to his brother in Europe where seven purchases at luxury boutique shops were made.

The complainant became aware of the purchases during the early hours this morning when he received notifications on his phone,” Western Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Andrè Traut said.

The investigating officer’s sharp thinking led to the e-hailing driver’s swift arrest.

“Attempts by the complainant to reach the e-hailing driver were unsuccessful, where after the case was reported to Simons Town police.

This is where Sergeant Henry Simons used his initiative and booked an e-hailing service with the specific driver, using the phone at the court building not raising suspicion by using a number connected to the police station. The suspect reported for the ride at the court building where he was questioned and arrested,” Traut said.

Traut added that once the man is charged, he’ll be making his way to court in the near future to face the music for the fraudulent R650,000 bill.

Police urge anyone who may have possibly been a victim to a similar modus operandi to contact Simon’s Town police at 021 7868646 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.

[source:iol]