Woman Scammed by Fake Facebook Friend: Two Suspects Arrested for Theft and Fraud

A woman, whose identity is being protected to prevent further victimization, was scammed by a man posing as a white individual named “Mark Hermanus” on Facebook.

Last month, IOL reported that the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court had extended the bail of the first suspect, Nigerian national Gabriel Okori, who has been charged with fraud and theft. Okori, initially arrested by the Hawks, was granted bail in November 2024 and has been appearing before the Pretoria court.

Second Suspect Arrested in Ongoing Scam Investigation

In a recent development, members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit arrested a second suspect in connection with the fraud and theft case.

According to Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela, spokesperson for the Hawks, the victim met “Mark Hermanus” on Facebook and believed she was corresponding with a white man. The two exchanged cellphone numbers and began chatting on WhatsApp. During their conversations, “Mark Hermanus” claimed his son was gravely ill and asked the woman to lend him money for medical bills, which ultimately exceeded R3 million. The scammer promised to repay the woman once the bills were settled, but no payment was made.

The complainant was instructed to deposit money into various bank accounts, including one held by the second suspect. She transferred R15,000 into an African Bank account belonging to the second suspect, who was later arrested.

Okori’s Arrest and Bail

The investigation, led by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, identified Okori as the first suspect in the scam. He was traced to Cape Town and arrested on October 3, 2024. Okori was granted R5,000 bail after his arrest and has since been appearing in court on charges of fraud and theft.

Second Suspect in Custody

The second suspect was arrested on Wednesday in Orange Farm, Johannesburg South. The man is expected to make his first appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

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