The Gauteng Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit arrested four suspects aged between 26 and 34 for fraud and extortion linked to an alleged romance scam on 29 May 2026.
The suspects, Ismair Nsubugu, George Lubuluma, Geofrey Bukenya , and Nicolas Bolodangaine , allegedly convinced a South African woman that her money could be multiplied through ancestral rituals conducted by a purported Ugandan priest. After becoming suspicious, the complainant alerted the police, who conducted an operation. One suspect was arrested while accompanying the complainant to Midrand to secure loans from a banking institution. The suspect subsequently led police to a property in Winchester Hills, where three additional suspects were arrested.
During the operation, police discovered a makeshift altar and an underground cave allegedly used to deceive victims into believing that ancestors were communicating with them.
The suspects appeared before the Booysens Magistrates’ Court on 01 June 2026. They remain in custody, and the case was postponed to 08 June 2026 for further investigation.
Police are also investigating possible links to other similar scam cases. Anyone who may have been a victim of this scam or has information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Colonel Naidoo on 082 820 6174, or the Crime Stop Line on 08600 10111, or report information through the MySAPS App.