Rats and fake money seized: Ugandans arrested for defrauding Limpopo residents in prophetic scam

Police in Limpopo have arrested three foreign nationals accused of running a “prophetic” scam in Polokwane, allegedly using counterfeit money and rats to swindle unsuspecting community members.

The men, all Ugandan nationals aged between 32 and 37, were apprehended on Wednesday after the Provincial Tracking Team followed intelligence about individuals soliciting money from residents under false spiritual pretences.

According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, officers raided a residence in Penina Park where the suspects were found without valid passports.

"A search of the premises resulted in the recovery of an undisclosed amount of counterfeit money and five rats, allegedly used as tools to deceive victims during the fraudulent activities. The suspects were immediately placed under arrest," said Ledwaba.

"Community members are urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious or fraudulent activities to their nearest police station or to the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111."

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the arrests and praised the swift coordination of the tracking team.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of possessing counterfeit money and contravening the Immigration Act.

Investigations continue.

Earlier this year, IOL reported that the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Polokwane sentenced two Ugandan nationals, Serage Martin Lubenga, 28, and Rhoda Mirembe, 33, to 20 years imprisonment each after they were convicted for fraud.

IOL has extensively covered the duo’s arrest in 2023, after they allegedly scammed a 39-year-old Limpopo woman. The scammed woman’s identity is withheld to protect her from secondary victimisation.

The South African woman lost R650,000 after meeting Lubenga, and getting into a romantic relationship with him.

In May, Limpopo provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa said the two were convicted for offences relating to the dating scam.

"In September 2023, the accused acted in a common purpose and defrauded a 39-year-old woman of an amount of R650,000," said Mmuroa.

"The victim met an African man who introduced himself as Martin. The two thereafter became friends. Going forward, the victim started to open up to Martin and shared some personal challenges amongst others and financial problems."

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

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