A convicted rapist serving time in prison has appeared in court on fresh charges after he allegedly masterminded an elaborate scam from behind bars, posing as a Hawks captain to extort more than R41,000 from a woman who once faced a murder charge nearly two decades ago.
Provincial spokesperson for the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, said the victim, who cannot be named for safety reasons, was targeted in September 2022 when she received a chilling phone call.
The caller introduced himself as “Captain Monama” from the Hawks and claimed her 2006 murder case, which had long been withdrawn, had been reopened. The caller told her that a warrant for her arrest had been issued — unless she paid him R25,000.
Terrified of being re-arrested, the woman paid the money in two instalments.
Two months later, the same number called again. This time, the so-called Captain Monama alleged that his “colleague,” a detective Wessels, had discovered she was still free. The “Captain Monama” demanded more money to “cool down” the so-called detective Wessels and prevent further action.
“The conman from the prison cell, Bonginkosi Masango, demanded extra money to cool down the so-called detective Wessels,” said Nkosi.
In 2024, the woman registered a case docket at Siyabuswa police station in Mpumalanga.
“The matter was referred to the Hawks Middelburg-based serious corruption investigation (unit). The team’s hard work linked Masango, after his 28-year-old cousin Koosnight Mahlangu’s arrest on Wednesday, 3 September 2025,” said Nkosi.
“It was revealed through investigation that Bonginkosi Masango is currently serving a 16-year prison term after he was found guilty of rape in a 2015 case.”
Koosnight Mahlangu
Both Masango and Mahlangu appeared before the Mdutjane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Mahlangu was released on R1,000 bail while Masango was remanded in custody. The pair is expected back in court on 6 October.
Meanwhile, acting provincial head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Brigadier Bruce Davenport, praised the investigation team for their success.
“A number of people have fallen victim to police impersonators, denting the image of the police. This arrest might be a breakthrough to some of the unsolved cases,” said Davenport.
After becoming the first player to score 50 or more in his first five innings in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), Matthew Breetzke was unsurprisingly in high spirits on Thursday.The 26-year-old top-scored for the Proteas in the second ODI against England at Lord’s, hitting 85 from 77 balls as South Africa posted an imposing 330/8.Though England put up a strong fight in their chase, the visitors held out for a five-run victory […]
