/ 15 October 2007

SA man arrested after exam papers offered on Facebook

A 20-year-old man who allegedly offered matric exam papers to friends on Facebook was taken into police custody for questioning on Sunday, Primedia Broadcasting said.

Captain Dennis Adriao told Primedia Broadcasting that police received an anonymous SMS tip-off on the 32211 Primedia anti-crime line.

Primedia named the man who was allegedly offering the matric exam papers. The Johannesburg flying squad reservist unit then raided a house in Azaadville on the West Rand.

”Investigations indicated that the man posted an entry on Facebook last week making the claim. Upon questioning him, he said it was merely a prank.

”We confiscated a computer and cellphone and investigations are continuing,” said Adriao.

A decision whether to charge the man with fraud would be taken shortly.

Primedia’s crime line manager Yusuf Abramjee said members of the community were continuing to pass on information and ”we thank them”.

He said over 240 suspects have been arrested since the launch of the anti-crime initiative in June this year.

Abramjee said about R14,5-million worth of stolen property, drugs and counterfeit goods have been seized.

”We want to again appeal to the public to continue to break their silence and anonymously SMS 32211 [at a cost of R1] or go to www.crimeline.co.za.

”No matter how small or big the crime, blow the whistle,” said Abramjee. – Sapa