According to a joint statement from Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse, spokesperson for the Northwest Hawks, and Sivenyathi Gunya, communication officer for the National Prosecution Authority, the complainant, a woman (47), met and began dating a Nigerian man known as Chris in June 2023. After a few weeks, he allegedly urged her to resign from her job, withdraw her pension funds, and hand them over to him.

The victim reportedly complied, and upon receiving a pension payout of R634,169.04 in July 2023, she informed Chris. It’s reported that he visited her home in Jouberton, requested her banking app login details, and then transferred R610,000 into an unknown account. That was the last time she saw him.

Hawks apprehending the suspect. Photo supplied 

The case was referred to the Klerksdorp-based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit for further inquiry. The investigation revealed that the money was transferred into a business account for TNH Collection and General Trading Pty (Ltd), which is solely directed by Caroline Diana Sserfusa.

On Monday, (7/10), Sserfusa was arrested in Johannesburg and appeared in court, where she was granted bail of R8,000. Her case has been postponed to (25/10) for legal representation.

Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, Acting Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in North West, along with Dr. Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, commended the investigation and prosecution teams for ensuring that the accused will face the full weight of the law.

OFM News/Rethabile Monyane mvh