A self-proclaimed prophet, Phakamile Mangwejana Mohoto, is facing serious legal trouble after allegedly defrauding a former South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member of his entire pension payout, amounting to over R1.4 million.
Mohoto, 24, recently appeared before the Phalaborwa Magistrate’s Court after being arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit. He is currently being held in police custody on a charge of fraud, with his next court appearance scheduled for 22 May 2025 for a formal bail application.
According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the incident traces back to 2023. At the time, the former SANDF soldier had fallen ill and met Mohoto, who introduced himself as a prophet. Mohoto, reportedly a foreign national, convinced the soldier that his illness was spiritual in nature and required a special intervention. He claimed that divine healing was possible—but only if the soldier resigned from his post and invested his pension funds into a “blessed” business initiative.
Persuaded by these claims, the soldier resigned in October 2023. On 14 January 2024, he received his full pension payout exceeding R1.4 million. Shockingly, the very next day, Mohoto allegedly visited the victim and transferred the entire amount into a bank account under his own name—without the victim’s knowledge or consent.
The fraud only came to light when the former soldier attempted to withdraw money from an ATM and discovered his account had insufficient funds. A follow-up at the bank confirmed that the money had been moved out. When the victim tried to contact Mohoto, his calls went unanswered and were diverted to voicemail.
The matter was swiftly reported to the Phalaborwa police station, prompting the opening of a fraud case. The investigation was later handed over to the Hawks. After collecting sufficient evidence, the National Prosecuting Authority authorized a warrant for Mohoto’s arrest.
He was eventually apprehended in Polokwane on 14 May 2025 and made his first appearance in court shortly thereafter.
This case has sparked public outrage, with many calling for stricter regulation of self-styled prophets who exploit vulnerable individuals under the guise of spiritual guidance. The incident also highlights the need for awareness and caution, particularly among pensioners and retirees who may be targeted by con artists promising miraculous financial returns or healing.
As the case unfolds in court, South Africans await justice for the victim, whose trust was allegedly betrayed in one of the most critical phases of his life.
The story continues to gain traction across social platforms, prompting renewed calls for authorities to clamp down on spiritual scams and fraudulent financial schemes masquerading as religious advice.