BRITS POS – BRITS – The police in Brits wishes to alert the public to be vigilant about recent fraud incidents reported in the area. “Numerous cases of fraud have been reported, where victims were scammed after purchasing Wi-Fi data and airtime vouchers for a man who introduced himself as Koos van der Berg. The suspect falsely represented himself as a procurement manager at a local mine in Brits,” reported Maria Nkabinde, SAPS Brits spokesperson.
In one of the cases reported on Monday morning, 5 January, a 32-year-old man was at work in the Brits industrial area when he allegedly contacted the suspect via WhatsApp regarding a potential business partnership.
It is alleged that a meeting was arranged for midday on the same date at a local mine. The suspect then sent the victim a location for the meeting. While the victim was en route, the suspect allegedly requested him to purchase Wi-Fi data vouchers to enable him to connect to the internet and operate systems while waiting for the victim to arrive.
The victim allegedly purchased Wi-Fi vouchers (amount undisclosed) and sent the voucher details to the suspect. The suspect then made further requests for airtime vouchers, at which point the victim became suspicious.
Upon arrival at the local mine, the victim attempted to contact the suspect, but the suspect failed to attend the meeting and blocked the victim. The victim then approached mine officials, who informed him that he had been scammed. In another incident reported on Wednesday morning, 7 January 2026, a 32-year-old man allegedly contacted the same suspect regarding a potential business opportunity. The suspect again requested the victim to purchase data vouchers for use at the mine.
While the victim was on his way to the mine for the scheduled meeting, he allegedly purchased data vouchers at a local store. The suspect instructed the victim to send the voucher details via WhatsApp and promised to reimburse him upon arrival at the mine.
Upon arrival, the victim attempted to contact the suspect, but his cellphone was switched off. The victim then enquired at the mine reception where the suspect was, but he was informed that he had been scammed.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, Koos van der Berg, allegedly uses different cellular phone numbers when communicating with victims.
Police request anyone with information that may assist with the investigation, to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Sello Mokhutsoane of the Brits Detectives on 083 568 9289.
“The public is urged to remain vigilant and to verify information received via social media.
Rather opt to pay cash on delivery when items are purchased,” advises Me. Maria Nkabinde.
