A Gauteng mother in her 50s is mourning the day she met the man who became her lover for a year before he disappeared with her pension lump sum of R2.8 million. This left her and her two sons struggling to make ends meet.
Gauteng Mom’s Heartbreaking Story
In an exclusive interview with IOL, Nothando (identity withheld) shared her ordeal. She opened a case at the Pretoria North SA Police Service (SAPS), confirmed by Gauteng police. Nothando met a charming man named Henry Mugisha in January 2023 at her workplace, a public school in Gauteng. Mugisha claimed he was looking for a place for his son, but in hindsight, Nothando believed it was all an act.
A Year-Long Romance Turned Nightmare
From January 2023 until January 2024, Nothando dated Mugisha without ever meeting his purported son. As their relationship grew, Mugisha suggested a business venture, which Nothando, a school principal with 30 years in the education sector, bought into.
The Scam Unfolds
Nothando resigned from her job to invest her pension lump sum into the proposed business. Mugisha convinced her to withdraw her pension and claimed it needed to be blessed by ancestors. He promised to contribute his own millions to the venture. In January 2024, Mugisha urged Nothando to visit her rural home for blessings, and then he vanished.
Realization and Despair
Upon returning, Nothando discovered Mugisha was gone. She couldn’t reach him or his so-called brother. Realizing she had been scammed, Nothando was devastated. She lost 13kg in two weeks, contemplated suicide, and struggled to provide for her sons.
Gauteng Police Involvement
The Gauteng police confirmed an ongoing investigation. They released pictures of Mugisha, requesting public assistance in locating him. However, Nothando criticizes the police for not acting against a South African woman who opened a bank account for Mugisha.
Advice from Nothando
Despite her experience, Nothando advises others to fall in love but remain vigilant. She warns against those who profess love too quickly and urges people to keep their eyes open.
Previous Scams in Gauteng
Nothando’s story is not isolated. Recently, Joburg woman Jabu Nxumalo was swindled out of R500,000 by Ugandan national Joseph Ssekasi, who she met on Tinder. Gauteng police are also seeking community help to locate Ssekasi.
Call for Community Assistance
Gauteng police encourage anyone with information about Mugisha or Ssekasi to come forward. Community cooperation is crucial in these investigations to prevent further scams and bring the perpetrators to justice.For updates and more information, follow the ongoing investigation by the SAPS in Gauteng.
