CAPE TOWN – Two more suspects have been arrested in connection with a romance fraud and money laundering scheme worth more than R14 million.

The Bellville-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks, assisted by Metro Police, arrested the suspects, aged 37 and 46, on Friday.

The pair will join five co-accused who were arrested earlier this year in connection with the same matter. Asanda Dwesini, Nomphelo Fetman, Brazil Hendricks, Shan Lewis and Lavina Opel face charges relating to the exploitation of an elderly woman between 2017 and 2018.

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According to reports, the accused created a fake profile on a dating website to manipulate the victim. The alleged lover used flirtatious language to convince the woman they were in a genuine relationship.

Once trust was established, the ‘lover’ would request money, fabricating reasons such as failed trips or urgent fines. The victim transferred money into various bank accounts provided by the alleged lover. The pattern continued until the victim became suspicious.

The seven suspects are expected to appear in the Muizenberg Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

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