Two Women Arrested In Alleged R2 Million Travel Scam In Strand

Authorities in the Western Cape have arrested two women, aged 59 and 53, from Strand for allegedly orchestrating a fraudulent travel scheme that defrauded nearly 80 individuals of approximately R2 million.

Victims had responded to social media advertisements promoting a luxurious 16-day trip to Thailand, priced at R26,000 per person. However, the promised vacation never materialised.

Details of the Scam

The scheme targeted victims from multiple provinces, including the Western Cape, Gauteng, and the Eastern Cape. The suspects reportedly provided elaborate itineraries featuring real hotel names to convince their clients of the trip’s legitimacy.

Victims were instructed to deposit the amount into the suspects’ bank accounts. Some individuals even made full payments by late 2023.

As the departure date of June 20, 2024, approached, victims began seeking travel tickets, only to realise the trip was a sham.

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Affected individuals, including pensioners, expressed outrage and heartbreak, as many had planned this as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Meetings with the suspects yielded no resolution, prompting victims to file police reports.

Police Investigation and Arrest

Western Cape Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie confirmed the suspects’ arrest following investigations that uncovered insufficient explanations for the missing funds. The cases, initially reported across multiple provinces, were centralised in the Western Cape.

The women now face charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering. Police are also exploring whether additional suspects or entities were involved in the scheme.

Victims have shared their stories of disappointment and financial loss, with some having paid over R100,000 to cover bookings for family members. Local communities have rallied around those affected, pushing for justice and tighter regulations on travel businesses to prevent similar scams in the future.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Strand Magistrate’s Court soon, where further details may emerge.

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