LIMPOPO – It started as an innocuous romantic relationship until fake business ideas emerged between the couple.

In September 2019, the accused, Pontho Emanuel Ramothuma (38) requested his girlfriend to enter into a joint business venture in order to strengthen their relationship. The accused requested her partner to assist in buying a TLB for their potential business. The victim deposited an amount of R470 000-00 into the account of the accused so that they can buy the TLB.

After some time, the victim requested to see the TLB but the accused presented fake documents as proof of purchase.

The victim became suspicious when she did not see the TLB and decided to report the matter to the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, subsequently the accused was arrested.

After conducting a comprehensive and thorough investigation, the Hawks found that the accused did not buy the TLB, instead he used all the money for himself.

On 11 August 2022, Ramothuma appeared before the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court and he was sentenced to five years direct imprisonment.

Source: South African Police Service