The Hawks have arrested four additional people suspected of being part of a syndicate run by online dating site swindler Pius Emokpe, who scammed a Northern Cape woman of more than R3.4 million.
Lulama Dilimini, Shafwaan Fakier, Nomcebo Agrineth Sibisi, and Juany Michaels appeared in court on Thursday and were remanded in jail until February 2, when they will appear again.
The accused, three women and a man, appeared with Emokpe, 47, who faces various fraud and money-laundering allegations, according to Mojalefa Senokoatsane, spokesman for the Nation Prosecuting Authority in Northern Cape.
According to Senokoatsane, the syndicate is suspected of defrauding unsuspecting victims of their money.
“The accused operated a scam where they would create false online dating profiles and target vulnerable individuals by grooming them, building trust, and later requesting money for ostensible emergencies,” he said.
He said the suspects have been charged with more than 140 counts of fraud and money-laundering charges. “Emokpe is accused of having defrauded a woman he met on a social media platform of more than R3.4-million,” said Senokoatsane.
He went on to say that Emokpe, who used a fake identity, told his victim that he was a scientist working for a South African business.
He eventually scammed her by borrowing money from her under the guise that his firm was having financial difficulties. He was apprehended by police after the victim filed a complaint against him.