BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State Provincial Commercial Crimes Investigation Unit is appealing to the public for assistance in tracing Junior Bashiru (32), a Ugandan national identified as a person of interest in investigations to resolve two romance fraud cases. The alleged scammer vanished after swindling two women out of their money.

Sgt Palesa Thabana, spokesperson for the Free State police, said the two romance fraud cases occurred in different years. Both involved women who were allegedly lured into romantic relationships before being defrauded. The first case involves a 42-year-old from Welkom and the other a 51-year-old from Bloemfontein.

Thabana said police had identified Bashiru as a person of interest who may be able to assist with the ongoing investigations to resolve both matters. She said the two women were allegedly swindled out of a combined total of more than R858 000 – money both had obtained through personal loans.

In the first incident, reported in Welkom in September 2024, Bashiru allegedly targeted the 42-year-old and persuaded her to take out a loan of R500 000. “She was defrauded of R516 000, paid to the suspect across multiple transactions,” said Thabana.

In the second case, registered in Bloemfontein in May, Bashiru allegedly targeted the 51-year-old woman with a business venture. “She was allegedly promised an equal partnership in a business venture. Believing she was in a mutual romantic relationship with Bashiru, the victim took out a personal loan and handed over approximately R342 000 to the suspect,” said Thabana.

Members of the public with information on Bashiru’s whereabouts are urged to contact the investigating officer, Const. Neo Mothekhe of the Free State Provincial Commercial Crimes Investigation Unit, on 064 039 6968. Alternatively, information can be passed on to the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, or submitted anonymously via the MySAPS App.