Pretoria – A 44-year-old man has been arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in Pretoria on charges of fraud linked to an alleged romance and mining investment scam that cost a victim about R1 million.
The suspect was arrested on Friday, 27 March 2026, following an investigation into a case dating back to August 2023.
According to police, the suspect allegedly approached the victim and initiated a romantic relationship while claiming he worked for a mining company.
He later introduced her to a network of individuals posing as mining professionals.
“The suspect told the victim that he works in a mining company,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.
Police allege that during a staged meeting, the suspect presented an envelope containing black stones, which were claimed to be valuable minerals.
The victim was later told the stones were worth R26 million, pending verification.
Subsequently, individuals posing as mining experts allegedly confirmed the stones’ authenticity and requested additional funds for processing and certification.
“The suspect then asked the victim to lend him R290 000 and she then transferred the money to him,” SAPS said.
The victim allegedly continued to send money, including R250 000 for a so-called “Coltan certificate”, eventually losing about R1 million.
Police said the scam was only uncovered in September 2023 when the victim was informed by a friend of the suspect that she had been defrauded as part of a coordinated scheme involving multiple accomplices.
A case was opened and referred to the Hawks, leading to the arrest.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Alexander Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 30 March 2026.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
