Gcobisa Sintu, 33 and Tando Magwevana, 34, appeared at Port Elizabeth and East London Magistrates courts on 25 and 26 October 2019, soon after their respective arrests.
They were allegedly linked to a syndicate that operated an online dating scam over a period between 2017 and 2018. It is alleged that the syndicate lured a 54-year-old unsuspecting victim, who was made to believe that she met a successful business man and developed a relationship.
The victim was further tricked into offering her money to help the online lover to overcome the business related challenges with the hope that the money was going to be paid back.
Luyanda Bacela, 32, also linked to this incident, was arrested in Belhar, Cape Town on15 October 2019 after a warrant of arrest was issued against her. She appeared at the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Bellville on 16 October 2019, facing charges of fraud worth R 844 000. She is currently out on R5000 bail and will be back in court on 11 November 2019 for legal representation.
Meanwhile, Sintu was released on warning and is expected to appear along with Bacela, whilst Magwevana will appear at the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Bellville on 06 November 2019 for bail information.