Africa-Press – South-Africa. A 47-year-old man and his four accomplices have been accused of defrauding a woman he met on a dating website of more than R3 million in the Northern Cape.
Pius Emokpe appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, alongside his four co-accused, Lulama Dilimini, Shafwaan Fakier, Nomcebo Agrineth Sibisi and Juany Michaels.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the three women and two men are accused of being part of a syndicate that targets and defrauds unsuspecting victims of their money.
“The accused operated a scam where they would create false online dating profiles and target vulnerable individuals by grooming them, building trust, and later requesting money for ostensible emergencies,” said NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane.
The accused have been charged with more than 140 counts of fraud and money laundering.
Meanwhile, Emokpe has been accused of defrauding a woman he met on a social media platform of more than R3.4 million.
“The accused, who was using a false name, informed his victim that he was a biologist, employed by a South African company. The accused was arrested by the police after the victim opened a case.”
Four of the accused were arrested in Cape Town by the Hawks.
The matter has been postponed to 2 February for bail information and a possible bail application.
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