Hawks arrest second suspect in R3 million online romance scam! A second suspect linked to a R3 million online romance scam has appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, following his recent arrest by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).
The scammed woman, whose identity has been withheld to protect her from further victimization, believed she was in an online relationship with a man named “Mark Hermanus.”
However, she later realized she had fallen victim to a romance scam, after making multiple payments amounting to over R3 million.
Suspect Appears in Court
Justice Motsamai Khanyapa, 38, appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges of theft and fraud and has been remanded in custody.
The Hawks’ Gauteng spokesperson, Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela, confirmed that the case was postponed to March 13, 2025, for a formal bail application.
Hawks arrest second suspect
Khanyapa was arrested last week in Orange Farm, Johannesburg South, by members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, becoming the second accused in the case.
How the Scam Unfolded
According to investigators, the complainant met “Mark Hermanus” on Facebook, believing he was a white male interested in a romantic relationship.
After exchanging contact details, they began chatting on WhatsApp, where “Hermanus” convinced her that he needed financial help.
“While the pair were getting to know each other, ‘Mark Hermanus’ informed the complainant that his son was sick and asked the complainant to lend him money for his son’s medical bills, which escalated to over R3 million,” said Mavimbela.
The fraudster promised to repay the money once his son’s medical expenses were covered—but never did.
Bank Transfers and Second Suspect’s Involvement
The woman was instructed to deposit the money into several bank accounts, one of which was an African Bank account linked to Khanyapa.
Mavimbela confirmed that the complainant transferred R15,000 into Khanyapa’s bank account, leading to his arrest.
First Accused Released on Bail
This arrest follows the detention of the first suspect, Nigerian national Gabriel Okori, who was apprehended in Cape Town on October 3, 2024.
Okori was granted bail of R5,000 in November 2024 and has been appearing in court since then.
Investigators traced Okori after linking his bank account details to fraudulent transactions in the scam.
Rise in Online Romance Scams
The publication running the investigation has been exposing various romance scams, revealing how many South Africans—both men and women—have lost millions to online fraudsters.
Many victims have been left financially ruined, with some losing their pension savings, life savings, and bank loans to scammers posing as wealthy foreign lovers.
In February 2025, a woman named Keneilwe came forward, claiming she had lost R2 million from her pension account without her consent.
She insisted she was never present when the money was transferred and that she never shared her banking app details with anyone.
Victims Demand Justice
As more victims of online scams come forward, they are demanding answers from law enforcement and financial institutions.
Many have reached out to banks, police, and legal authorities in a bid to recover their stolen funds, but scammers continue to target unsuspecting individuals.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Hawks, have vowed to intensify investigations and arrest more individuals involved in these fraudulent operations.
Online Safety Tips to Avoid Romance Scams
Authorities urge the public to be vigilant when engaging with potential romantic partners online. Here are some precautionary measures to avoid falling victim:
- Verify identities – Conduct reverse image searches of profile pictures to check for stolen images.
- Be cautious of urgent financial requests – Scammers often fabricate emergencies to manipulate victims into sending money.
- Avoid sharing personal or financial information – Never disclose banking details, passwords, or OTPs.
- Meet in person – If possible, insist on video calls or face-to-face meetings before sending money.
- Report suspicious activity – If you suspect fraud, contact the police or bank immediately.
With the next court hearing scheduled for March 13, more details about the extent of the scam and the potential involvement of additional suspects are expected to emerge.
Law enforcement continues to urge the public to remain vigilant against online scams and report fraudulent activity before falling victim.