Woman Arrested
By Thobeka Makume
On 21 January 2025, a 34-year-old woman was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport upon her return from Qatar, on charges related to card cloning fraud. 
Alleged Involvement in Card Cloning Syndicate
Between 2017 and 2018, while employed at a car rental service at Cape Town International Airport, the suspect allegedly compromised clients’ card information. Preliminary investigations by the Hawks revealed that she provided this sensitive banking information to a syndicate responsible for manufacturing cloned cards. This illicit activity resulted in financial losses amounting to approximately R400,000 for the affected clients. 
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The suspect is scheduled to appear in transit at the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on 22 January 2025. Following this initial appearance, she will be transferred to Cape Town to face charges related to her alleged involvement in the card cloning syndicate. Hawks spokesperson, Zinzi Hani, confirmed these details, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges. 
Broader Context of Card Cloning in South Africa
Card cloning fraud has been a persistent issue in South Africa, with several notable cases highlighting the extent of such criminal activities:
• In April 2019, the alleged kingpin of a card cloning syndicate in Cape Town was arrested and remained in custody awaiting trial. The suspect was linked to various fraudulent transactions across Cape Town.
• In January 2022, a 39-year-old man was convicted and sentenced after being found guilty of 280 counts of fraud related to the use of cloned credit cards in the Western Cape. His accomplice faced 95 counts of fraud in connection with the same syndicate.
• In October 2021, Western Cape police arrested ten suspects, including a woman believed to be part of a fraud syndicate cloning fuel cards. The arrests were made following intensive investigations into the syndicate’s activities.
Law Enforcement Efforts
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, continues to intensify efforts to combat financial crimes, including card cloning syndicates. Public cooperation is crucial in these efforts, and individuals are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
Protecting Yourself from Card Cloning
To safeguard against card cloning, consumers are advised to:
• Regularly monitor bank statements for unauthorized transactions.
• Use cards only at reputable establishments and avoid letting the card out of sight during transactions.
• Be cautious when sharing card information and report lost or stolen cards immediately.
Staying vigilant and informed is essential in protecting oneself from financial fraud.
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