Gauteng police have arrested four suspects after uncovering an alleged romance scam centred on promises of instant wealth through ancestral rituals, with investigators finding a makeshift altar and underground cave allegedly used to convince victims that ancestors were communicating with them.
The arrests followed an operation by the Gauteng Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit after a South African woman became suspicious of claims that a purported Ugandan priest could multiply her money through ancestral rituals and spiritual intervention.
Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said investigators were alerted after the complainant began questioning the claims being made to her and contacted police.
“After becoming suspicious, the complainant alerted the police, who conducted an operation. One suspect was arrested while accompanying the complainant to Midrand to secure loans from a banking institution.”
The suspect's arrest led police to a property in Winchester Hills, south of Johannesburg, where investigators believe the alleged scam was being operated from.
Police arrested three additional suspects identified as Ismair Nsubugu, George Lubuluma, Geofrey Bukenya and Nicolas Bolodangaine, who are now facing charges of fraud and extortion.
Sibeko said investigators made a startling discovery during the raid.
“During the operation, police discovered a makeshift altar and an underground cave allegedly used to deceive victims into believing that ancestors were communicating with them,” she added.
Police believe the setup formed part of an elaborate scheme designed to manipulate victims into handing over money under the guise of spiritual rituals that promised financial rewards.
The four suspects, aged between 26 and 34, appeared before the Booysens Magistrates' Court on Monday, June 1, and remain in custody after the matter was postponed to June 8 for further investigation.
Police are now investigating possible links to other victims and similar scam cases.
Anyone who may have fallen victim to the alleged scam, or who has information that could assist investigators, is urged to contact Colonel Naidoo on 082 820 6174, the Crime Stop Line on 08600 10111, or report information through the MySAPS App.
The Star