Ugandan Nationals Nabbed After Woman Allegedly Held And Scammed Of R1m Pension

Two Ugandan nationals have been arrested after a woman was allegedly held against her will and defrauded of R1 million in Mmabatho.

Nasifu Besigye (39) and Laban Mucwa (53) were taken into custody on Saturday following a police tip-off about a suspected kidnapping.

Police Act on Tip-Off, Rescue Woman

Authorities responded to information about a woman allegedly being held at a residence in Mmabatho.

On arrival, police found the victim inside the house with the two suspects.

The operation involved members of the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit, Mahikeng Tactical Response Team, and the Mahikeng Flying Squad.

Victim Allegedly Lured via Facebook Relationship

According to Hawks spokesperson Tinyiko Mathebula, the victim had been lured to the area by one of the suspects.

“The victim was allegedly lured by her boyfriend, Laban Mucwa, whom she met on Facebook, to travel to Mmabatho. It is reported that the victim was taken to a house in Mmabatho where her boyfriend ordered her to speak to her ancestors in a prayer room to have her pension money doubled,” Mathebula said.

Police allege that the woman withdrew R1 million from her pension and handed it over to Mucwa.

Ugandan Nationals Appear in Court

Besigye and Mucwa appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges.