She fell in love, then her R2 million vanished – Hawks hunt three men

A 52-year-old Klerksdorp woman allegedly lost R2 million of her pension payout to a suspected fraud syndicate after being lured into a romantic relationship and convinced to finance what was purported to be the release of a R14 million inheritance.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has launched a public appeal to help trace three men believed to be linked to the alleged scam, which is being investigated by the Klerksdorp-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit.

Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the woman met a man identifying himself as Emmanuel Jackson Kigezi in Klerksdorp in August 2025.

The pair allegedly entered into a romantic relationship, during which Emmanuel claimed to be the beneficiary of a substantial inheritance left by his late father.

“It is alleged that in August 2025, the complainant met a man in Klerksdorp who introduced himself as Emmanuel Jackson Kigezi. Reports indicate that the complainant later got into a romantic relationship with Emmanuel,” Mathebula said.

The suspect allegedly showed the woman a document purporting to be a R14 million will and claimed the funds could only be accessed after a special cleansing process had been completed.

“It is further alleged that Emmanuel showed the complainant a R14 million will which he claimed his father had left him,” Mathebula said.

The Hawks said Emmanuel and an alleged accomplice then convinced the woman that R1.2 million was needed to “cleanse” the inheritance before it could be released.

Believing the claims, the woman reportedly resigned from her job and received a pension payout of approximately R2.5 million. 

“It is reported that the complainant allegedly transferred R2 million into the bank accounts of two companies as requested by Emmanuel for cleansing of the R14 million will,” Mathebula said.

However, after the money was transferred, the suspects allegedly disappeared without a trace.

“After receiving the money, Emmanuel and his accomplices disappeared,” Mathebula added.

The Hawks are now seeking public assistance to locate three men who may be able to assist with the investigation.

“Anyone with information that can assist the police in locating the three men in the pictures is urged to contact the investigating officer, Lieutenant Colonel Motsamai Mthombeni on 071 481 3390,” Mathebula said.

Members of the public can also provide information anonymously through the MySAPS App.

IOL News