ADDITIONAL ACCUSED PERSONS ARRESTED IN THE CASE OF SOCIAL MEDIA DATING SWINDLER
Pius Emokpe (47) has appeared in the Kimberley Magistrates’ Court, where he was joined by four co-accused who were arrested by the Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation(DPCI) known as the Hawks in Cape Town. The three women and a man have joined Pius Emokpe who is facing multiple fraud and money laundering charges. The four suspects, Lulama Dilimini, Shafwaan Fakier, Nomcebo Agrineth Sibisi, and Juany Michaels, are accused of being part of a syndicate that targets and defrauds unsuspecting victims of their money.
The accused operated a scam where they would create false online dating profiles and target vulnerable individuals by grooming them, building trust, and later requesting money for ostensible emergencies. The Prosecution led by Adv. Lentswe Setouto is charging the four accused with more than 140 fraud and money laundering charges. Emokpe is accused of having defrauded a woman he met on a social media platform, for money amounting to more than R3.4 million. The accused, who was using a false name, informed his victim that he was a biologist, employed by a South African company. The accused was arrested by the Police after the victim opened a case.
The case was adjourned to 02 February 2023, for bail information and possible bail application. Pius Emokpe is remanded in custody, as he had earlier abandoned his bail application. Investigations led by the Hawks are continuing.
