5 SA Women Swindled Out of Almost 8 Million Rands in Love Scams
In recent years, love scams have become a pervasive issue in South Africa, with numerous women falling victim to deceptive individuals who exploit their trust and affection. Here, we recount the stories of five South African women who lost almost 8 million rands collectively to such scams. These incidents serve as cautionary tales about the dangers of online and in-person dating.
1. R800,000 – Polokwane Pensioner Scammed
A 60-year-old woman from Polokwane was swindled out of more than R800,000 of her pension money. The former teacher from the Limpopo Department of Education met the scammer at a shopping complex in early 2024. This encounter quickly turned into a financial nightmare, as the man exploited her trust and stole a significant portion of her savings.
2. R600,000 – Limpopo Woman Defrauded by Duo
A 39-year-old woman from Limpopo lost over R600,000 in a love scam orchestrated by Yiga Siraje Lubega, 27, and his accomplice, Rhoda Betsey Mirembe, 32. The woman met Lubega and entered into a romantic relationship with him, only to be defrauded. The pair were arrested and appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court, facing charges related to the scam.
3. R1.6 Million – Mpumalanga Woman’s Loss
In Mpumalanga, a woman was deceived by Ugandan national Lucky Innocent Talemwa, losing R1.6 million. Talemwa convinced her that the money would multiply, only to disappear without a trace. The police have launched a manhunt for Talemwa, but he remains at large.
4. R2.8 Million – Gauteng Mother’s Devastation
A woman in her 50s from Gauteng lost R2.8 million to a man she believed to be her partner for over a year. The man disappeared with her entire pension lump sum, leaving her and her two sons struggling financially. This case highlights the emotional and financial devastation caused by love scams.
5. R2 Million – Major Romance Scam
A significant breakthrough was made when the Hawks arrested two women, Omotese Ebor and Fortune Nomfusi, involved in a romance scam. The victim, who remains unnamed, was swindled out of nearly R2 million between December 2016 and January 2018. Ebor posed as “Mr. Allen Grey,” a supposed prominent businessman, and convinced the woman to lend “him” money, claiming that his bank accounts were hacked.
6. R500,000 – Joburg Woman’s Online Deception
Jabu Nxumalo, a woman from Johannesburg, lost R500,000 after meeting Ugandan national Joseph Ssekasi on the dating app Tinder. Ssekasi, who claimed to be “Deron Mundari” from South Sudan, manipulated Nxumalo into a romantic relationship and ultimately swindled her out of her savings.
These stories are a stark reminder of the prevalence of love scams in South Africa. They highlight the need for increased awareness and caution when engaging in online and in-person relationships. While these women’s experiences are heartbreaking, they also serve as a warning to others to protect their hearts and finances from those who might seek to exploit them.
