By Augustine Ehikioya
Police officers in South Africa have been drafted to investigate cases of fake prophets stealing from unsuspecting students.
They were said to have been deceiving their victims with fake prophesies, and in the long run cornered their prey’s belongings.
A statement by Captain Xoli Mbele of the South African Police Service, Office of the Provincial Commissioner Gauteng, and obtained by Security Watch Africa (SWA) on Tuesday, said “The detectives are investigating several cases of theft under false pretences. It is alleged that the suspects pose as prophets and mainly target students. They will stop their victim and start prophesying to them.
“In one of the cases, the victim was lured into bringing her laptop and those of her roommates together with her cellphone and she was transported to a local supermarket where she was required to buy salt and water. Upon returning from the store, the fake prophet was nowhere to be found.
“The public is advised to take heed of the following safety tips so to avoid being victims;
*Do not stop for any strangers in the streets, let alone give them ear, no matter how true what they say may sound.
“*Do not take or listen to any spiritual advise from strangers.
*Genuine prophets will never request your personal belongings on the streets or money.”
The statement also said that the public is urged to report these crimes to their nearest Police Station or drop tip-offs on MySAPSApp which can be accessed on any smart phone.