Facebook Scammer Arrested After Luring Victim And Raping Her

Police in Limpopo have arrested a man accused of using a fake Facebook account to lure a young woman under false pretences before allegedly kidnapping and repeatedly raping her.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the crime came to light on Monday when a “fast-thinking and vigilant” male friend of the victim alerted authorities after growing suspicious about her whereabouts.

“He allegedly takes women from Gauteng to Limpopo on false promises of employment opportunities,” said Mathe, describing the suspect’s online scam.

The man reportedly operated under the Facebook alias Jeff Rals, using stolen photos and a fake identity to manipulate victims into trusting him.

Victim Rescued From Facebook Scammer

Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe was notified and immediately mobilised a search team to find the missing woman.
In a dramatic rescue, police tracked down the suspect and his victim within five hours at a filling station in Giyani, where the scammer had run out of petrol and was unable to continue his journey.

“The victim and kidnapper were traced to a filling station in Giyani, Limpopo, where the con man had run out of petrol and did not have funds to fill up his motor vehicle,” said Mathe.

The young woman had initially met the suspect in Pretoria, only to realise that the man picking her up looked nothing like his online profile. When she questioned the difference, the suspect claimed to be Jeff Rals’ brother and said he was sent to collect her.

Tragically, she was then taken to his homestead in Limpopo, where she was allegedly raped multiple times.

Police Warn of Online Dating Dangers

The SAPS has since issued a stern warning to the public, especially those engaging in online dating, to remain cautious and vigilant.

“The SAPS takes this opportunity to warn online dating users to be extra cautious and not be so trusting,” Mathe said.

“These scammers often make the victim feel as though they have a genuine relationship. Once trust has been established, the scammer often requests money or to meet the victim, which results in kidnapping, as in this case.”

Police are calling on anyone who may have fallen victim to the fake “Jeff Rals” profile to come forward.

The suspect is currently in custody, facing charges of rape and kidnapping, while the rescued victim is being reunited with her family.

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