Staff Reporter
Detectives in the Free State are looking for victims of an alleged fake attorney who defrauded a number of clients promising to help them get their cases resolved.
Police believe several people in and around Kroonstad could have fallen for a scam by Ernest Mpho Sejake, 33, who claimed to be a lawyer and could represent them in court.
He has since been arrested and remains in custody to allow for more investigations.
He is expected back in the Kroonstad Magistrates Court on May 3.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Sam Makhele said in a statement the suspect previously worked for a law firm with offices along Brand Street in the town’s central business district.
He said Sejake was arrested after it was discovered that he was illegally practising as an attorney and defrauding people.
“This is after one client was defrauded more than R25 000 by the suspect acting as his legal representative in court,” said Makhele.
“The victim went to the police after she could not get hold of him. Further investigations discovered that the suspect was not registered as an attorney and is also not registered with the legal fraternity,” he added.
It has also emerged that the suspect does not have an office and was targeting people who went to court.
Makhele said several people have already opened cases of fraud and theft after they paid money for his legal representation.
The police spokesperson said anyone who might have paid money to Sejake should contact Detective Sergeant Tebogo Ratlhagana on 079 234 0342 or contact Kroonstad police on 08600 10111.