The woman was targeted through a romance scam.
Image: Supplied
Three suspects are expected to apply for bail in the Muizenberg Magistrate’s Court this week on charges of fraud and money laundering.
Asanda Dwesini, 39, Nomphelo Fetman, 32, and Shan Gabrelle Lewis, 47, are accused of exploiting an elderly woman from 2017 to 2018.
They made their first appearance last week.
The trio was arrested on Thursday, March 19, by members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as Hawks) Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team based in Bellville, together with the National Intervention Unit (NIU).
The provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, said the scheme by the suspects involved creating fake profiles on a dating website to manipulate the victim into giving them money.
“It is reported that the alleged lover lured the victim by using flirtatious language, making her believe that they were in a genuine relationship. Once trust was established, he would ask for money, inventing reasons such as failed trips or urgent fines. The victim transferred money into various bank accounts shared by the alleged lover,” Hani said.
The pattern was repeated often until the victim became suspicious.
According to Hani, the trio gained the trust of the woman and built a relationship with her. The alleged lover made everything about the romance feel normal, but the aim was ultimately to extort her.
The head of the Hawks in the Western Cape, Major General Mathipa Makgato, urged the public to be cautious before involving themselves into questionable transactions.
“If not certain, do not do so,” Makgato said.
He further said it was okay to reject or ignore any requests.
“Criminals will often try to rush or make you panic. If you believe you have fallen for a scam, you should contact your bank immediately and report it to the nearest authorities,” Makgato said.
The trio will appear in court on Thursday, March 26, for bail information. All three have been remanded in custody.
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