Woman scammed R1.8 million by a foreign lover and his accomplice
BURGERSFORT
A Burgersfort woman has been scammed by a Ghanaian man and his alleged accomplice. This incident has led to the Hawks warning the communities about dating scams.
A 33-year-old man Mohoto Mangwejana appeared in the Praktiseer Magistrate Court on December 6. He faced charges of theft and fraud related to a dating scam.
“In January 2023, the victim and ex teacher met a Ghanaian national at Tubatse Crossing Mall in Burgersfort. Around August 2023, the Ghanaian contacted the victim and then they started dating.
In October 2023, the Ghanaian proposed that they should have their own business,” said Limpopo Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa.
According to the Hawks, the foreigner told the victim that he had found two trucks that are needed for such business, and they cost R3 million.
“They went to a bank in Phalaborwa, where the victim transferred an amount of R1 800000 (One million and eight thousand rands) , to a certain account number, “added Mmuroa
She went home and waited for the delivery of the trucks, which never happened. The victim tried to contact her Ghanaian boyfriend, and the phone was never answered. She tried locating him and he was nowhere to be found.
She then reported the matter to the police. A case docket of theft was opened and transferred to the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit for further investigations.
Through intensive investigations, the Hawks discovered that the money was transferred to the account of the accused person, Mangwejana.
“After the investigation was finalised, the matter was referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for decision. Subsequently, a warrant of arrest was authorised against the accused.
Mangwejana was traced and arrested by the Hawks at North West province on December 5 . His matter was postponed to December 11 for bail application.
The Hawks are still searching for the Ghanaian suspect.
Limpopo head of the Hawks Major General (Adv) Gopz Govender welcomed the arrest. He is further appealing to the community to be vigilant of the dating scammers.
