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An e-hailing driver was arrested by Simons Town police in the Western Cape on Wednesday for allegedly defrauding a tourist and two of his local friends.
Police spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut says the 30-year-old Zimbabwean suspect drove the 21-year-old Danish man and his two friends from Cape Town to Simons Town when the passengers fell asleep in the car.
He says the driver accessed one of their credit cards and sent the information to his brother in Europe. The brother made seven purchases at luxury boutique shops, spending R650 000.
Colonel Traut says the complainant became aware of the purchases during the early morning hours when he received notifications on his phone.
He says he attempted to reach the e-hailing driver but was unsuccessful and opened a case at the Simons Town police station.
Colonel Traut says an officer, Sergeant Henry Simons, used his initiative and booked an e-hailing service with the suspect. He used the phone at the court building to avoid raising suspicion by using a number connected to the police station.
The driver picked Sergeant Simons up from the courthouse, where he was questioned and arrested.
Police have asked any members of the public who might have fallen victim to a similar scam to contact their nearest police station.
The e-hailing driver is currently in police custody and will appear in the local magistrates court once charged.
