Five suspects in court over alleged R1.1 million inheritance scam

The Hawks are investigating three people and two companies in connection with an alleged R1.1 million inheritance scam.

Three people and two companies face fraud, theft and money laundering charges linked to an alleged R1.1 million inheritance scam uncovered in Limpopo.

The three will remain behind bars until November 2, when they are expected to apply for bail at the Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court.

They first appeared in court on October 27 following their arrest under Operation Shayinduku.

The case involves an alleged scheme in which a complainant was promised a US$30.4 million (approximately R600 million) inheritance but was allegedly instructed to pay clearance fees before accessing the money.

Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks) spokesperson Colonel Avele Fumba said the complainant allegedly transferred more than R1.1 million before realising they had been defrauded.

“The Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team in Phalaborwa traced the flow of funds, identified additional alleged victims and arrested the accused under Operation Shayinduku,” Fumba said.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major-General (Advocate) Gopz Govender, warned members of the public against falling victim to schemes promising substantial financial rewards.

He said “criminals will continue to exploit people’s hopes of financial gain unless such schemes are met with vigilance and caution”.