'Good Samaritan' ATM fraudster arrested with 21 cards

Police in Bulawayo have arrested a 51-year-old man in connection with a suspected ATM fraud scheme targeting unsuspecting bank clients.

Caleb Moyo, of Mpopoma suburb, was apprehended following an incident in which he allegedly posed as a Good Samaritan to gain the trust of victims at ATM points.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect allegedly used deception to steal bank cards.

According to police, the incident occurred when a 53-year-old woman from Old Luveve encountered difficulties while trying to withdraw cash at a local bank.

"The suspect reportedly approached her under the pretext of offering assistance. While pretending to help, he allegedly swapped the complainant's bank card with another card belonging to an unknown person," said Inspector Msebele.

The woman became suspicious during the interaction and raised the alarm, prompting members of the public to pursue the suspect as he attempted to flee.

He was eventually apprehended with the assistance of security personnel and handed over to police.

"Upon arrest, the suspect was found in possession of 21 ATM cards, leading police to believe that he may have targeted multiple victims using the same method," Msebele said.

Investigations indicate that the suspect's alleged modus operandi involved swapping cards at ATMs and later returning to withdraw cash after victims had left, often unaware that their cards had been exchanged.

Police commended members of the public for their swift response, which led to the suspect's arrest, noting that the complainant was fortunate to detect the scam before any money was withdrawn.