Nomfusi Princess Fortune, 33, was arrested on charges of fraud and money laundering related to a romance scam that cost a victim over R2 million, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as the Hawks) said.
“Fortune appeared before the Palm Ridge Court on Monday, October 7, for bail application alongside her co-accused Zizipho Makela, 32, who was also arrested on charges of fraud and money laundering related to the same romance scam,” said Hawks spokesperson, Captain Lloyd Ramovha.
The case, which was first reported at the Norwood police station in June 2019, involved the complainant being duped by an online acquaintance posing as “Allen Graig” on Facebook.
The two began an online relationship, later moving to WhatsApp, where Graig persuaded the victim to transfer money into multiple accounts.
One of the accounts belonged to Fortune who received R70,000 in three transactions.
Mqikela allegedly received R580,000 in seven transactions, paid into her FNB account.
The victim eventually realised she had been scammed and filed a complaint, which led to the Hawks investigation.
Fortune was granted bail of R2,000, while Mqikela was released on R3,000 bail. The case has been postponed to January 24.
“This incident serves as a stark warning to all South African citizens to remain vigilant against romance scams,” said Brigadier Phumeza Klaas, the Acting Head of the Hawks in Gauteng.
“We urge everyone to exercise caution when engaging in online relationships and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.”
IOL