The Free State Police confirmed the arrest of a suspect, who operates under the name Junior Mahlangu, allegedly gained the trust of business owners by claiming to be a player for Premier Soccer League Team in Gauteng, recently transferred to Bloemfontein to join Premier Soccer Team based in Bloemfontein.
Junior Mahlangu has been preying on local businesses by masquerading as a professional football player.
Police investigation reveals that the suspect utilized this false persona to defraud several establishments across the Bloemfontein area.
Victims advised to report their encounters with the suspect as police believes there may be more victims who have not yet reported their encounters with the suspect. T
According to the Free State police spokesperson, Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, the suspect’s primary targets included Petrol Stations, Restaurants and Guest Houses.
“At the time of his arrest, the suspect was found in possession of a black Volkswagen Golf 8 bearing the registration number MT 51 CM GP.
“The suspect appeared in court on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, facing multiple charges of theft and fraud. The matter has been postponed to 23 February 2026 for a formal bail application and further profiling,” said Kareli.
If you have information or wish to open a case docket, please contact Detective Sergeant Majoro or Captain Jean Marais on 082 779 8868. Alternatively, visit your nearest police station to register a formal complaint or dial 08600 10111.
Meanwhile, the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court has found Mubien Anwary, 43, guilty of offering a bribe to two members of Ficksburg SAPS Crime Prevention.
“On 25 July 2024, two members of the SAPS reacted to information about a truck that was carrying R1,2 million worth of illicit cigarettes. They went to a house in Ficksburg where the consignment was found. During the processing of the crime scene, Mubien Anwary arrived in a black BMW.
“He called the two members to his vehicle where he offered them R15 000 gratification in exchange for letting the truck go,” said Free State police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli.
According to Mohobeleli, these members, both Sergeants, flatly refused. Instead, they alerted Serious Corruption Investigation detectives of the Hawks who arrested the accused on the scene. The consignment was released to customs officials.
