Two more suspects have appeared in the Muizenberg Magistrates’ Court in connection with a multi-million romance scam involving an elderly woman.
This follows the arrest of three people on 19 March, allegedly implicated in defrauding the women of over R14 million.
The trio, 39-year-old Asanda Dwesini, 32-year-old Nomphelo Fetman and 47-year-old Shan Gabrelle Lewis, made their first court appearance on the same day as their arrest, and were in police custody after their case was postponed to Thursday for bail information.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (the Hawks) confirmed that they were joined by the two additional suspects, Lavina Oppel and Brazil Astor Hendricks.
According to the Hawks, the victim connected with a fake profile on a dating platform and stayed in communication from 2017 to 2018. This is allegedly part of a scheme the suspects were involved in to manipulate the woman into providing money.
“It is reported that the alleged lover lured the victim by using flirtatious language making her believe that they are in a genuine relationship… Once trust was established he would ask for money,” the Hawks said in a statement on 20 March.
The suspects are accused of having invented reasons like “failed trips or urgent fines” to ask the victim for money.
“The victim transferred money into various bank accounts shared by the alleged lover.”
The Hawks say an investigation was launched by the Bellville Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit, alongside the National Intervention Unit, after the victim eventually became suspicious. These units carried out the arrests.
“The fraudsters gained the victim’s trust and built a relationship with her. He made everything about the romance to feel normal, but his aim was to extort her.”
They’re facing charges of fraud and money laundering. The Hawks confirmed on Thursday that Oppel and Lewis have since been released on R4,000 bail.
“Asanda Dwesini, Nomphelo Fetman and Brazil Astor Hendricks remain in custody to appear on the 9 April 2026 for bail application,” read the Hawks 26 March statement.
This incident prompted the Hawks to urge the public to trust their gut and not to make money transfers if they are not certain.
The Western Cape Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mathipa Makgato, said the public must be wary of rushed payments or being made to feel panic before questionable transactions.
“It is okay to reject or ignore any requests. As criminals will often try to rush or make you panic. If you believe you have fallen for a scam, you should contact your bank immediately and report it to the nearest authorities,” said Makgato.
*This article has been edited to include the latest information in the case, namely the additional arrest, the name of the suspects and details from their last court appearance on 26 March 2026.
