File
Police in Welkom in the Free State are looking for a man who failed to appear in court on charges of fraud and theft of motor vehicles.
Spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng says Papa Khumalo would target people selling their vehicles on Facebook and would then express interest in purchasing a car for his wife for her birthday.
He says Khumalo would then request bank details from the seller before sending a notification that stated the money would reflect in a few days.
Captain Thakeng says the suspect would then take ownership of the cars and sell them to a third party, usually a licensed dealership.
He says Khumalo was caught red-handed in October last year and was granted bail of R5 000, and never showed up to court again.
He is facing five charges of fraud committed in Thabong, Welkom, and Winburg.
A warrant of arrest has been issued.
Police, again, issued a stern warning to those selling cars or any items on Facebook marketplace to be vigilant as fraudsters are always lurking around.