Polokwane – A 23-year-old man, Setlabo Jerry Thaba, appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday after handing himself over to police in connection with a fraud case reported last year.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Thaba was arrested on Monday, 16 March 2026.
“The suspect voluntarily surrendered to the police following allegations of defrauding a member of the public,” Ledwaba said.
The case stems from an incident on 3 August 2025, when a 48-year-old complainant was listening to a sports programme on a radio station.
“The complainant was approached by an individual claiming to be a soccer player seeking financial assistance to travel to Italy,” Colonel Ledwaba explained.
#sapsLIM A 23-year-old fraud suspect, Setlabo Jerry Thaba, appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court following his arrest after handing himself over to police in Polokwane on Monday, 16 March 2026.
It is alleged that on 03 August 2025, a 48-year-old complainant was… pic.twitter.com/qv4Ma7ChHq
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 18, 2026
“The suspect provided banking details, and the complainant subsequently made a payment of R20,000.”
The complainant became suspicious after the promised trip did not materialise and reported the matter to the police.
Thaba appeared in court and was granted bail of R1,000.
The case has been postponed to 20 April 2026 for further proceedings.
Colonel Ledwaba confirmed that police investigations are ongoing.
“We continue to investigate this matter to ensure all aspects of the case are addressed,” he said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
