A 37-year-old businesswoman, Caroline Diana Sserufusa, has been arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, better known as the Hawks, for her alleged involvement in a romance scam that defrauded an unsuspecting woman of more than R600,000.
Sserufusa appeared before the Klerksdorp Specialized Commercial Crime Court this week, facing charges of fraud and money laundering. Her arrest comes after months of investigations into a case that has highlighted the growing threat of online scams in South Africa.
The Victim’s Story
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse, the case involves a 47-year-old woman from Jouberton Township in North West. The victim, whose identity is withheld to protect her from further harm, met a man identifying himself only as “Chris” in June 2023. Chris, a Nigerian national, reportedly pursued a romantic relationship with her both online and in person.
Over time, he gained her trust and eventually manipulated her into disclosing personal financial information. Matters escalated when the woman received her pension payout, which amounted to more than R600,000. She confided in Chris, who then visited her home and requested her banking app login credentials, under the pretext of assisting her with managing the funds.
Unbeknownst to her, Chris transferred R610,000 into a bank account she did not recognize. Authorities later linked this account to Sserufusa, who is now accused of benefiting from the illicit transfer.
Hawks Investigation
The Hawks launched a full investigation after the victim reported the disappearance of her funds and the sudden disappearance of Chris. According to police, the suspect vanished shortly after the transaction, leaving the woman devastated and financially ruined.
Detectives traced the stolen money to an account linked to Sserufusa and her business operations. It is alleged that she knowingly received the funds and attempted to conceal their origins, thereby implicating her in both fraud and money laundering.
“The accused was arrested and has since appeared in court. Investigations are ongoing, and we are following additional leads regarding other possible suspects involved in the scam,” Malwetse said.
The Human Cost of Romance Scams
This case underscores the devastating consequences of romance scams, which are becoming increasingly common in South Africa. Criminals often prey on vulnerable individuals seeking companionship, exploiting their emotions to gain access to personal information and finances.
In many instances, victims are left not only financially drained but also emotionally scarred. Experts warn that scammers are highly skilled at manipulating trust, making it difficult for victims to recognize red flags until it is too late.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
Sserufusa made her initial appearance in the Klerksdorp Specialized Commercial Crime Court, where she was formally charged. The case has been postponed to allow for further investigations and for the prosecution to present additional evidence.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant when engaging in online relationships and to be cautious when sharing sensitive financial information, even with people they believe they can trust.
The Hawks have assured the community that they will continue to crack down on cyber and financial crimes, emphasizing their commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens from scams of this nature.
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