KLERKSDORP – The North West-based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit is appealing for public assistance in locating three foreign national men who are persons of interest in a fraud case involving a 52-year-old woman. She was allegedly scammed out of R2 million. The trio are known as Emmanuel Jackson Kigezi, Clinton Akanyujuka and Junior Kanyesigye.

Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, the Hawks’ provincial spokesperson, said the men could assist in resolving the fraud case, which is under investigation. He said information about their countries of origin was highly questionable after investigations revealed that they used fraudulent passports.

“While two claim to be Ugandan nationals and one from Rwanda, our investigations have revealed that their passports are fake,” said Mathebula, adding that public assistance was critical in obtaining leads to trace the men. “It is alleged that in August 2025, the complainant met a man in Klerksdorp who introduced himself as Emmanuel Jackson Kigezi,” he said.

Mathebula said reports indicate that the complainant subsequently entered into a romantic relationship with Emmanuel. “It is further alleged that Emmanuel showed the complainant a R14 million will, which he claimed his father had left him.”

“Emmanuel and his accomplices allegedly told the complainant that they needed R1,2 million to cleanse the R14 million will. It is reported that the complainant resigned from her job and received her R2,5 million pension payout,” he said.

“The complainant allegedly transferred R2 million into the bank accounts of two companies, as requested by Emmanuel, to cleanse the R14 million will. After receiving the money, Emmanuel and his accomplices disappeared,” said Mathebula.

Anyone with information that could 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. Alternatively, information can be reported anonymously via the MySAPS app or by contacting Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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