Online Reporter
Two suspected swindlers will return to the Muizenberg Magistrate’s Court in South Africa today, where they will pursue their bail bid after being arrested in connection with a R14 million romance fraud and money laundering scheme.
The two accused, Sikelelwa Nqunu, 37, and Chibuzor Joseph, 46, made their first court appearance on Monday and are expected to appear alongside their co-accused Asanda Dwesini, Nomphelo Fetman, Brazil Hendricks, Shan Lewis, and Lavina Opel, who were arrested earlier this year.
The group faced criminal charges after they exploited an elderly woman from 2017 to 2018.
Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi confirmed the latest suspects, Nqunu and Joseph, were arrested on July 24.
“The Bellville-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks, assisted by the metro police, arrested two suspects for over R14 million romance fraud and money laundering scheme.
“The scheme involved creating a fake profile on a dating website to manipulate the victim. It is reported that the alleged lover lured the victim by using flirtatious language, making her believe that they were in a genuine relationship.
“Once trust was established, he would ask for money, inventing reasons such as failed trips or urgent fines. The victim transferred money into various bank accounts shared by the alleged lover. This was often repeated until the victim became suspicious. The fraudsters gained the victim’s trust and built a relationship with her. He made everything about the romance feel normal, but he aimed to extort her,” said Vukubi.
Previously, the Western Cape Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major-General Mathipa Makgato, sensitised the public to be cautious before engaging in questionable transactions. If they are uncertain, they should refrain from doing so.
Makgato urged potential scam victims to decline or reject any requests.
“As criminals will often try to rush or make you panic, if you believe you have fallen for a scam, you should contact your bank immediately and report it to the nearest authorities,” said Makgato – IOL.
