Man wanted over nearly R900k romance scam in Free State

Police in the Free State are searching for 32-year-old Junior Bashiru after two women allegedly lost a combined amount of about R858 000 in separate romance-related frauds, authorities said.

How the alleged scheme unfolded

According to police spokesperson Sergeant Palesa Thabana, the incidents occurred in Welkom and Mangaung. Investigators say Bashiru is a person of interest in both cases and may have used charm and promises of business opportunities to gain the women’s trust.

Case details

In the Welkom matter, a 42-year-old woman was allegedly presented with a romantic relationship by the suspect and was persuaded over time to take out a loan of R500 000. She later paid the suspect more than R516 000 in several payments. “This was paid to the alleged suspect on various occasions,” Thabana said.

In the Mangaung case, which came to light in May 2026, a 51-year-old woman was reportedly convinced to take out a personal loan after being promised an equal share in a business deal. She subsequently gave the suspect more than R342 000. “She then gave the money to the suspect, with whom she believed she was in a mutual romantic relationship at the time,” Thabana said.

Police action

Both matters have been formally registered as fraud. Police are asking anyone with information on Bashiru’s whereabouts to come forward.

What authorities say

“This was paid to the alleged suspect on various occasions,”

“She then gave the money to the suspect, with whom she believed she was in a mutual romantic relationship at the time,”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police, the spokesperson confirmed.