KwaZulu-Natal – A 28-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly defrauding a Lotusville restaurant of R10,000 worth of seafood, including prawns, crab, calamari, and fish.
The incident began on Monday, July 21, when the restaurant owner reported the theft to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA). The owner explained that an Uber driver had collected a large seafood order, backed by a fraudulent proof of payment.
RUSA launched an immediate investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses. Surveillance helped identify the suspect, his vehicle, and the mobile number used in the scam.
Details of the incident were shared on social media, leading to several tip-offs that the man was attempting to sell the stolen seafood in Brindhaven.
As officers maintained surveillance, the suspect attempted another fraud using the same tactic. He arrived on Rosemary Drive to pick up seafood and again presented fake payment proof.
RUSA further linked him and two accomplices from Phoenix to a separate Red Bull energy drink theft in Cornubia in recent weeks.
On Wednesday, officers arrested the man and recovered the cellphone used in the seafood scam. During questioning, the suspect admitted to dumping some of the seafood once it spoiled and said the rest was sold, eaten, or shared with family.
He was handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Although Colonel Robert Netshiunda, KZN police spokesperson, was contacted, he could not confirm the arrest at the time.
Further investigations are ongoing.
