A shocking case of romance fraud has emerged in South Africa, where three individuals allegedly tricked an elderly woman out of R14 million. Asanda Dwesini (39), Nomphelo Fetman (32), and Shan Gabrelle Lewis (47) appeared in the Muizenberg Magistrate Court on March 19, 2026, in connection with the romance fraud and money laundering scheme.
The scheme, which reportedly took place between 2017 and 2018, involved creating a fake profile on a dating website to manipulate the victim into giving money. According to authorities, the alleged lover used flirtatious language to gain the victim’s trust, making her believe they were in a genuine relationship. Once trust was established, the lover would ask for money, inventing reasons such as failed trips or urgent fines.
Romance Fraud Warning
Major General Mathipa Makgato, Western Cape Provincial Head of the Hawks, urged the public to exercise caution when dealing with online relationships. “If you’re not certain, don’t do it,” he said. “It’s okay to reject or ignore any requests. Criminals will often try to rush or make you panic. If you believe you have fallen for a scam, you should contact your bank immediately and report it to the nearest authorities.”
The case has been remanded to March 26, 2026, for bail information, and all three suspects remain in custody. This incident serves as a warning to South Africans to be vigilant when engaging in online interactions, especially when it comes to romance scams, which can have devastating financial and emotional consequences.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
To avoid falling victim to romance scams, it’s essential to be cautious when meeting people online. Here are some tips:
- Be wary of people who contact you out of the blue or try to rush a relationship
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person
- Research the person’s profile and look for red flags, such as inconsistencies in their story
- Trust your instincts and don’t ignore any concerns you may have
For more information on how to protect yourself from scams, visit the South African Cyber Security Alliance website.
