Heartbreak and Heists: Pretoria Woman Scammed of R3.4 Million by Fake Facebook Lover

Another romance scam rocks South Africa as Hawks arrest two more suspects linked to elaborate Facebook fraud.

What began as a hopeful online connection turned into a devastating con for a Pretoria woman, who lost more than R3.4 million to a man she believed was a loving single father with a sick child.

Instead, he was allegedly a key player in a sophisticated scam syndicate, now being hunted down piece by piece by South Africa’s elite Hawks 419 Scam Task Team.

From Facebook chats to financial ruin

It started on Facebook, an innocent friend request, some friendly messages, and eventually an emotional connection. The man claimed to be Mark Hermanus, a white South African father in distress, with a sick child needing urgent care. The woman, who hasn’t been named to protect her identity, moved their conversations to WhatsApp, where things got personal and costly.

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale explained that the suspect manipulated the victim over time, convincing her to transfer large sums of money under the promise of repayment. The scam spanned months, draining her life savings.

“This wasn’t just one big transfer,” Mogale said. “The amounts accumulated over time, reaching more than R3 million, all under the illusion of love and need.”

The syndicate unravels

Investigators say the scam didn’t end with “Hermanus.” Once the money was sent, it was laundered and redistributed among multiple accomplices. Now, the net is closing in.

This week, two more suspects aged 26 and 22, were arrested in Mfuleni and Strand, Western Cape. They’re scheduled to appear in Bellville Magistrate’s Court on fraud and money laundering charges.

They join three others already facing charges in the same case, including:

• Gabriel Okoi, a 40-year-old Nigerian national arrested in Gordon’s Bay in October 2024.

• Justice Motsamai Khanyapa, nabbed in Orange Farm in March.

• Thabo Derrick Mnguni, arrested on 23 June.

All are currently out on bail as investigations continue. More arrests are expected.

The pattern of pain

This case mirrors many others reported in the media, especially as part of the IOL Scammed Series, which has documented how South Africans, especially women seeking love online are targeted by international scam networks. These con artists often pose as wealthy businessmen, military officers, or single fathers, weaving emotional tales to extract money from trusting victims.

In another case from Polokwane, a woman lost R650,000 to a similar scam in 2023. Two foreign nationals were sentenced to 20 years behind bars just last month after being convicted of defrauding her.

A growing crisis with real consequences

South Africa’s online community has reacted with a mix of anger and heartbreak. On Twitter (now X), the hashtag #RomanceScamSA continues to trend as survivors share their stories.

Many are now calling for tighter digital identity verification, and improved public awareness campaigns, especially targeting middle-aged women who are increasingly falling victim.

Local cybersecurity expert Dineo Mhlongo said these scams work because “they don’t just hack your wallet, they hack your heart.”

“These criminals are skilled manipulators. They exploit loneliness, compassion, and the hope for companionship. And by the time victims realise what’s happened, they’re not just broke, they’re shattered.”

What the Hawks want you to know

Colonel Mogale warned the public not to engage with strangers online who begin asking for money, no matter how compelling their story.

“The JSE just warned the country about deep fake scams, now we’re seeing emotional scams becoming just as advanced. If it sounds too emotional or too urgent, pause. Reach out for help. Report it.”

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a similar scam is encouraged to contact their nearest SAPS office or the Hawks commercial crimes unit.

Love shouldn’t cost your life savings

In a country already battling rising unemployment, economic hardship, and growing digital fraud, stories like this hit home in the worst way. Behind every scam report is a real person who believed in something beautiful — and ended up robbed of both their money and their trust in others.

South Africa must not only crack down on these criminal syndicates but must also build national awareness, reminding citizens that not all who slide into your DMs come with good intentions.

Stay alert. Stay smart. And when in doubt, verify, before you vilify your bank account.

{Source: IOL}

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