Indian-origin man held in S Africa for 30 cases of car fraud

An elusive Indian-origin man wanted in more than 30 cases of alleged car fraud and theft in South Africa has been arrested.
Muhammad Ismail Essack, 37, landed in the police net after his latest fraud when he hired a luxury car from a rental company at the OR Tambo International Airport here and sold the vehicle worth half a million rand (USD 35,245) to a man for just 45,000 rand (USD 3,172).
Police said Essack told the buyer that he was emigrating and needed to sell the vehicle urgently.
Already wanted in 32 cases of fraud and theft, he handed himself over to the police in the presence of his lawyer as detectives closed in on him.

Police spokesman Vuyisile Ngesi said the latest charge would be added to the 32 cases which have already been centralised into one investigation by the police.
Essack was remanded in custody till September 22.
Police would also probe allegations that Essack managed to evade the law for so long after colluding with officials, a source said.