GQEBERHA – Two women, Thina Mpuhlu (45) and Thembeka Bendon (50), have been convicted in the Gqeberha Regional Court on charges of fraud and money laundering arising from an online romance scam in which a 64-year-old widow was defrauded of more than R500 000.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) released a statement on 17 July, detailing the elaborate scam.

How the scam unfolded

The State proved that between March and May 2014, the accused, acting in common purpose with other persons unknown to the State, preyed on the complainant’s loneliness by orchestrating an online romance scam.

The complainant, a 64-year-old widowed mathematics teacher seeking companionship, met a man calling himself “Mario Bertolini” through a Facebook page known as “Liefie”. Purporting to be 12 years younger than the complainant, the man cultivated what appeared to be a genuine romantic relationship.

Between 25 March and 6 May 2014, he sent the complainant more than 2,300 text messages, gradually gaining her trust and convincing her that he intended to build a future with her.

Financial transfers and money laundering

Having established the relationship, “Bertolini” manipulated the complainant into making a series of substantial financial transfers under various false pretences. He claimed that he needed money to cover expenses relating to a family wedding in Italy, medical treatment for his daughter and an alleged debt owed to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

Despite repeated promises, he consistently avoided meeting the complainant in person. The complainant never met “Bertolini”, Mpuhlu, Bendon, or any other member of the syndicate.

Evidence before the court established that between 17 April and 5 May 2014, the complainant transferred a total of R505 981 into bank accounts nominated by the syndicate. The funds were deposited into accounts held in the names of Mpuhlu and Bendon, as well as an account held by Lifestyle and Wellness Consulting (Pty) Ltd, of which Bendon is the sole director and authorised signatory.

The State further proved that the funds were subsequently withdrawn in cash or used to purchase goods and services at various merchants in Cape Town and surrounding areas.

“The accused knew, alternatively ought reasonably to have known, that the money constituted the proceeds of unlawful activities. Their handling of the funds concealed and disguised the unlawful origin of the money, amounting to money laundering as contemplated in the Prevention of Organised Crime Act,” the NPA said.

The prosecution’s case

The successful prosecution was led by Advocate Ulrike de Klerk, who presented compelling documentary, banking and electronic evidence demonstrating the sophisticated nature of the romance scam, the fraudulent misrepresentations made to the complainant and the subsequent laundering of the proceeds through the accused’s bank accounts.

The State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused knowingly participated in a syndicate that exploited the complainant’s trust for financial gain.

The NPA’s response

Welcoming the convictions, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in the Eastern Cape, Advocate Samkelo Mtwana, said, “This conviction serves as a reminder that online romance scams are not victimless crimes. They inflict devastating financial losses while exploiting victims’ trust, emotions and vulnerability. The NPA remains committed to ensuring that those who orchestrate or facilitate these sophisticated fraud schemes are brought to justice and held fully accountable for their actions.”

The NPA commended De Klerk, the investigating officers and all role players whose dedication and professionalism contributed to securing these convictions.

Warning to the public

The NPA has urged members of the public to exercise caution when developing relationships online, as criminal syndicates often create false identities to establish emotional connections before exploiting victims financially.

Warning signs include:

• Relationships that progress unusually quickly.
• Individuals who appear “too perfect”.
• Requests to move conversations from social media or dating platforms to private messaging applications.
• Repeated excuses for avoiding in-person meetings or live video calls.
• Requests for financial assistance, banking details, or investments, including cryptocurrency.

“Members of the public are encouraged to independently verify the identity of individuals they meet online and never transfer money to someone they have not met in person or whose identity cannot be confirmed,” the NPA said.

The matter of Mpuhlu and Bendon has been postponed to 31 August for sentencing.

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