Lars Niehaus, 64, who claimed to be an influential businessman from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has been released on R50,000 bail after his arrest for allegedly luring a woman into investing R2 million in a fraudulent coltan mining scheme. The woman was told her investment would be secure, and that the company in the DRC already held a license to import minerals into South Africa.
Niehaus appeared at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, where his case was postponed to November 14. He is the third suspect arrested by the Hawks’ serious commercial crime investigation unit, which has been probing the case.
According to Hawks’ spokesperson, Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela, the scam began in January 2022 when the complainant was approached at a mall by a man posing as an influential DRC businessman. She was promised lucrative returns from investing in coltan mining, and despite her concerns about the licensing, she was assured all necessary documents were in order.
Subsequent meetings led to the victim paying money for various expenses, including trips to the DRC and Dubai, supposedly to meet with mining officials and potential buyers. The funds were deposited into a business account named Highgate Lease and Trading (PTY) LTD, linked to Niehaus, resulting in a total loss of R2 million.
The investigation by the Hawks, which began in August 2022, has also led to the arrests of Lindiwe Makelele and Zingah Mpoyi, accused of laundering the stolen money. Makelele was granted R2,000 bail after her arrest in March, while Mpoyi was granted R5,000 bail in April.
The Hawks detained Niehaus at OR Tambo International Airport on November 1, 2024, following a tip-off from the SA Police Service. He was formally charged and appeared in court, with further proceedings scheduled as the investigation continues.