Hawks seek three men after Klerksdorp woman allegedly loses R2 million in suspected romance scam
A relationship that promised love and financial security has instead become the focus of a major fraud investigation after a Klerksdorp woman allegedly lost R2 million in what the Hawks believe was an elaborate scam.
The Klerksdorp-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit has appealed to the public for help in tracing three men who may assist investigators in solving the case. The investigation centres on an alleged fraud in which a 52-year-old woman was persuaded to part with nearly all of her pension payout.
North West Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the alleged scam began in August 2025 when the complainant met a man in Klerksdorp who identified himself as Emmanuel Jackson Kigezi.
According to investigators, the pair later entered into a romantic relationship.
Police allege that Emmanuel subsequently showed the woman what he claimed was a will worth R14 million, allegedly left to him by his late father. He reportedly told her that the inheritance could not be accessed until a “cleansing” process had been completed.
Mathebula said Emmanuel and an alleged accomplice convinced the complainant that R1.2 million was needed to carry out the supposed cleansing of the will.
Investigators further allege that the woman resigned from her job and received a pension payout of R2.5 million. Believing the claims made to her, she allegedly transferred R2 million into the bank accounts of two companies at Emmanuel’s request.
Shortly after the money was paid, Emmanuel and his alleged accomplices disappeared.
The Hawks have now launched an appeal to members of the public who may have information that could help locate the three men linked to the investigation.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about their whereabouts to come forward and assist the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit as detectives continue working to unravel the circumstances surrounding the alleged R2 million fraud.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no arrests have been announced. Police have reminded the public to exercise caution when asked to make large financial transfers, particularly where claims of inheritances, investment opportunities or urgent payments cannot be independently verified.
