A suspected serial swindler’s luck ran out over the Easter holidays when he was nabbed by the cops for allegedly attempting one con too many.
26-year-old Phatsimo Ketshabile, whose previous misdemeanors seemingly stretch across the country, was in Francistown for a wedding when he reportedly tried to make some quick cash.
The self-employed Kudumatse village native took to Facebook, advertising his Honda Fit for sale.
His post received interest from one Kemang Busang in Donga, who was tricked into sending Ketshabile P9, 500 as a down payment for the car.
Soon realising he had been duped, Busang contacted the police and the hunter swiftly became the hunted.
The boys in blue finally located and arrested Ketshabile on 10 April, arraigning him before Francistown Magistrates Court last week.
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Telling court how the suspected swindler made his move, Investigating Officer, Johannes Mmoloki Rasetshwane, revealed, “It was reported that he later phoned the complainant, saying he owed the sheriffs and needed P9, 500 or else they would take the car. The complainant then transacted the money to the accused person through Orange Money.”
The Detective Constable added that since Ketshabile’s arrest, several police stations have been calling non-stop demanding their pound of flesh.
According to investigators, Rasetshwane, Tatitown, Mahalapye, Tlokweng and Nata police stations are all interested in speaking to the suspect.
For his part, when given the chance to speak in court, Ketshabile begged to be set free.
“I plead that I be released on bail, so I pay my victim. I promise to pay him back in 14 days. Since my arrest, I have been going with the police to all these stations that I have other offences with. In Mahalapye I was charged with theft common after I stole my girlfriend’s phone and in Tatitown I stole my girlfriend’s money. Tatitown police said they will get back to me. As for Tlokweng and Nata, I do not remember committing any offence there,” he insisted.
Ketshabile’s request for bail was denied; instead he will remain behind bars on remand until his next court appearance, set for next Tuesday (25 April).