By Staff Reporter
BURGERSFORT – A Ghanaian-led dating scam has left a former teacher devastated after she was defrauded of R1.8 million in an elaborate scheme involving promises of love and business. The accused, 33-year-old Mr. Mohoto Mangwejana, appeared before the Praktizeer Magistrate Court on December 6, 2024, facing charges of theft and fraud.
The victim, a former teacher, first encountered the Ghanaian national at Tubatse Crossing Mall in Burgersfort in January 2023. The two later reconnected in August 2023 and began a romantic relationship. The romance seemed to flourish until October 2023, when the Ghanaian boyfriend proposed starting a business together. He claimed they needed two trucks for the venture, which he said would cost R3 million.
Convinced by her partner, the victim went to a bank in Phalaborwa and transferred R1.8 million to an account provided by the suspect. She returned home, eagerly awaiting the delivery of the promised trucks. Her excitement soon turned to despair when repeated calls to her boyfriend went unanswered, and he was nowhere to be found.
After realizing she had been duped, the victim reported the incident to the police, leading to a case docket being opened. The matter was referred to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, who uncovered that the money had been deposited into the bank account of Mr. Mohoto Mangwejana. Following an intensive investigation, a warrant for Mangwejana’s arrest was issued by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
On December 5, 2024, the Hawks traced and arrested Mangwejana in the North West Province. He is currently in custody, and his bail hearing has been scheduled for December 11, 2024. Meanwhile, efforts to locate the Ghanaian suspect are ongoing.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General (Advocate) Gopz Govender, praised the investigative team for their swift action and reiterated a warning to the public about the dangers of dating scams. “We urge the community to remain vigilant and cautious, especially when entering relationships that involve financial transactions,” said Govender.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online and in-person scams, especially those involving romantic relationships. Individuals are urged to thoroughly verify claims and avoid making large financial transactions without proper due diligence.
For those with information about the Ghanaian suspect, the police encourage cooperation to bring all involved in this crime to justice.
