NORTH WEST – Macbeth Nqobo (47) appeared before the Ottosdal Magistrate’s Court on 02 June 2022, after he handed himself over to the Hawks for alleged theft of pension money worth approximately R2.3 million.

It is alleged that a pensioner was approached by her female friend who convinced her to invest in “push – push marketing”.

The friend allegedly took her to a house in Mahikeng where they met several men who introduced themselves as traditional healers. The alleged traditional healers reportedly prayed for the pensioner and called upon her ancestors to bless her. She was subsequently allegedly informed that she would double her money within four days if she invests.

The pensioner subsequently transferred R2. 3 million rand into the account provided and waited four days for her money to double.

After four days, she tried to get in touch with her female friend to no avail. Resultantly, the matter was reported to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. The Mahikeng based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit probed the matter.

On 11 April 2022, the pensioner’s friend- Irene Godfred (40) and Hakim Mphoza (35),  were arrested in Mahikeng for theft and each released on R10 000-00 bail.

The three accused will appear before the Ottosdal Magistrate’s court on 12 July 2022 for further investigation. Meanwhile, more arrests cannot be ruled out.

Source: South African Police Service