Pensioner scammed of R2.3 million
A pensioner was duped out of R2.3 million by a Ugandan.
After being promised her money would quadruple in four days, a pensioner was scammed of R2.3 million.
According to Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso, the Hawks’ North West spokesperson, a female friend of the pensioner approached her and encouraged her to invest in “push-push marketing.”
“The friend allegedly took her to a house in Mahikeng where they met several men who introduced themselves as traditional healers. The alleged traditional healers reportedly prayed for the pensioner and called upon her ancestors to bless her. Subsequently, she was allegedly informed that she would double her money within four days if she invested,” said Rikhotso.
“The pensioner subsequently transferred R2.3m into the account provided and waited four days for her money to double. After four days, she tried to get in touch with her female friend to no avail.”
After that, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation [Hawks] was notified of the incident. The investigation was conducted by the Mahikeng-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit.
“On April 11, 2022, the pensioner’s friend — Irene Godfred (40) and Hakim Mphoza (35), both from Uganda, were arrested in Mahikeng for theft and each released on R10 000 bail,” said Rikhotso.
“The three accused will appear before the Ottosdal Magistrate’s court on July 12, for further investigation. Meanwhile, more arrests cannot be ruled out.”
