Limpopo police have arrested a 30-year-old man, Baekane Bush Hlongwane, for allegedly defrauding a woman of R592,000. The suspect, residing in Ga-Molepo Village, appeared before the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Friday, November 22, and has been remanded in custody. He is set to return to court on Thursday, November 28, as police continue to investigate the matter.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Hlongwane convinced the victim to invest in a fake business venture. He presented a fabricated service agreement for a well-known funeral parlour and claimed to have secured a contract to supply water to the company. Hlongwane further claimed to own the necessary machinery for the project and convinced the woman that her investment would generate profits.
The victim, trusting the false proposal, deposited R592,000 into Hlongwane’s company account, expecting to receive a share of the profits. However, when she later inquired about her promised returns, Hlongwane ignored her and ceased all communication. The victim has not received any money or profits as promised.
After the woman filed a fraud complaint with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mankweng, a warrant was issued for Hlongwane’s arrest. He was apprehended on Thursday, November 21, in Bochum.
Police are continuing their investigation, and Hlongwane remains in custody.