A Gauteng mother in her 50s regrets the day she met a man who became her lover for a year before vanishing with her R2.8 million pension lump sum. This left her and her two sons struggling to survive.
Nothando, whose full identity is protected for safety, shared her story with IOL. She opened a case with the Pretoria North SA Police Service (SAPS), confirmed by Gauteng police.
Nothando met a man named Henry Mugisha at her workplace, a public school in Gauteng, in January 2023. Mugisha claimed to be looking for a place for his son, but Nothando now believes it was all an act.
They dated from January 2023 to January 2024, during which Nothando never saw the supposed son. Mugisha suggested a business venture, and Nothando, a school principal with 30 years in education, agreed.
Mugisha was charming and persistent. He courted her with kindness and care for her sons. Their first date was in March 2023, and Mugisha always ensured her sons were taken care of.
He claimed to be modest, driving an old car that frequently broke down. He paid for everything on their dates and appeared genuine. They planned to invest in student accommodation, pooling their funds, but Mugisha disappeared in January 2024.
Nothando returned from a trip to find Mugisha gone. His phone went to voicemail, and she couldn’t reach his so-called brother. Realizing the scam, she felt devastated and contemplated suicide. Her financial situation became dire, affecting her family.
Nothando advises others to be cautious in love. “Do not be afraid to fall in love, but be vigilant,” she said. She hired a private investigator, but Mugisha remains active on social media, flaunting a new Mercedes Benz.
Gauteng police confirmed an investigation is underway but no arrests have been made. Nothando believes a South African woman who opened a bank account for Mugisha should be held accountable.
Nothando’s story echoes a similar case involving Jabu Nxumalo, who was swindled out of R500,000 by another scammer. Police request community members to report any information about the suspects to aid the investigation.