By Cindy Patel | news| August 2025
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When Online Romance Turns Dangerous
A teaching assistant from the Vaal is warning the public after losing R100,000 in a sophisticated love and “muthi” scam, orchestrated by a man she met on Facebook Marketplace earlier this year. The victim described what started as a seemingly romantic relationship in February 2025 as a heartbreaking journey of deceit, manipulation, and exploitation.
The case highlights a growing trend in South Africa, where scammers use psychological manipulation and local traditional practices to defraud unsuspecting individuals.
TimesLIVE – South Africa online scams.
How the Scam Unfolded
According to the victim, the man, who is reportedly from Uganda, convinced her of a romantic connection and gradually lured her into his scheme.
"He’s telling people he could have actually scammed me more, as R100,000 is too little," the woman said.
The scam included a visit to a so-called “aunt” who claimed to be a sangoma, or traditional healer. Inside an indumba (ritual hut), she was subjected to ritualistic practices allegedly meant to secure “blessings” and future wealth.
"I heard a voice coming out, telling me that there were blessings coming my way and I should be ready to embrace them. I couldn't see the person behind the voice, and I think they were using a recorder to fool me," she explained.
The victim was shown a box filled with fake cash totaling over R2 million and instructed to borrow money from banks to fulfill the ritual, believing that doing so would unlock the promised fortune.
The Mechanics of the Scam
The victim reported going to two banks, taking out R50,000 from each, while the scammers monitored her activities. Bank staff reportedly noticed her distress and suspected duress, offering guidance to involve law enforcement. Unfortunately, she did not act in time.
"They kept on calling me while I was inside the bank, asking if I managed to get the loan. This even made the bank teller suspicious, and she told me if I was under some duress, I must involve the police, but I failed to listen," she said.
The scammers then disappeared with the money, leaving the victim financially vulnerable and emotionally traumatized.
report fraud in South Africa, see South African Police Service – Fraud reporting.
Psychological and Physical Impact
The aftermath of the scam has had a severe impact on her well-being. She reports stress, depression, and ongoing debt, with R5,000 monthly repayments. She is struggling to maintain her rental and daily expenses.
Additionally, the victim reported developing a rash on her face, which a local sangoma attributed to the muthi allegedly used during sexual activity by the scammer.
"I feel so ashamed because the man really used muthi to get me. He used it for sex and was also chewing some to make me submissive," she said.
This element of the scam shows a disturbing blend of emotional, financial, and ritualistic manipulation, making it one of the more complex and psychologically damaging scams reported in the country.
Lessons for Online Shoppers and Dating Enthusiasts
Experts advise the public to exercise caution when engaging with people online, especially in financial or romantic contexts. Red flags include:
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Requests for loans or cash transfers under unusual circumstances.
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Promises of wealth or magical outcomes tied to financial contributions.
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Isolation from trusted friends or family during decision-making.
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Unverifiable claims about professional or personal affiliations, such as fake sangomas or institutions.
Learn more about online safety with courses on cybersecurity and digital awareness.
Official Response and Legal Action
The victim has lodged a fraud report at the Vanderbijlpark Police Station, hoping law enforcement can track down the perpetrators. As of now, the scammers remain at large, but the case has drawn attention to cross-border online scams, particularly involving platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
Authorities encourage individuals to report suspicious activity immediately to prevent further exploitation.
Broader Implications
This case underscores a larger trend in South Africa: scams that combine romance, financial manipulation, and traditional beliefs. Victims are often psychologically coerced into making decisions they would normally avoid, highlighting the need for both public awareness and law enforcement vigilance.
Financial advisers and mental health professionals recommend:
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Independent verification of all financial requests
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Consulting trusted family or friends before engaging in unfamiliar financial or romantic arrangements
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Seeking counseling if emotional or physical harm has occurred
Consider books on fraud prevention and personal resilience.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale
The Vaal woman’s story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online interactions that mix romance and financial schemes. While her R100,000 loss is devastating, sharing her experience may prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.
"These people are here to destroy us. They don't have love," she said, urging vigilance among online users.
With scams growing more sophisticated and cross-border in nature, experts stress the importance of digital literacy, financial caution, and emotional awareness.
Stay updated on online scams in South Africa via News24 – Fraud and Scams.
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