A heartless online romance fraud scheme has left a vulnerable 67-year-old widow, Katz, with a staggering loss of over R2 million.
Two relatives, Kgotlelelo Molokoane (42) and her nephew Thabang Molokoane (34), have been charged with fraud, th3ft, and contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act for allegedly masterminding the sophisticated Tinder scam.
Katz, seeking companionship on the d@ting platform, was targeted by a man claiming to be Shane Brandauer, a self-employed medical supply contractor with a lucrative hospital contract.
Gaining her trust over time, Brandauer convinced Katz to invest in his company, promising substantial returns.
Despite her vulnerable state, Katz transferred R2,020,000 to bank accounts held by the Molokoanes, with frequent requests for money becoming a daily occurrence.
The scam’s complexity and the defendants’ alleged involvement have led to their court appearance, highlighting the dangers of online fraud and the importance of vigilance, especially for vulnerable individuals seeking connection online.
