Home South African More suspects linked to online dating scam

More suspects linked to online dating scam

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Two more suspects linked to an online dating scam worth R1 million have been arrested.

More suspects linked to an online dating scam worth R1 million have been arrested, the Hawks said yesterday.

Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Philani Nkwalase said Gcobisa Sintu, 33, and Tando Magwevana, 34, were arrested and they have appeared in magistrate’s courts in Port Elizabeth and East London last week for an alleged syndicate that operated an online dating scam over a period between 2017 and 2018.

“It is alleged that the syndicate lured a 54-year-old victim, who was made to believe that she met a successful businessman and developed a relationship,” said Nkwalase.

“The victim was further tricked into offering her money to help the online lover to overcome the business-related challenges with the hope that the money was going to be paid back.”

Nkwalase said another suspect, Luyanda Bacela, 32, also linked to this incident, was arrested in Belhar, Cape Town on October 15 2019 after a warrant of arrest was issued against her.

Bacela appeared at the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Bellville on October 25 2019 facing charges of fraud worth R844 000. Both are out on bail of R5 000 each.

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