The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation based in Secunda is investigating three fraud cases in which a company called Mr Coin deceived people to invest their money by promising them to get from 80% to 150% interest.
It is alleged in January 2021 seven men and two women recruited residents around Elukwatini and promised them that if they bring people to invest they will be paid a 10% commission for each recruit.
These scammers are known as Sibusiso Mkhize, Ngwenya(unknown name), Charles Ndlovu, Sqelo Mahlangu (the mastermind mind and the boss of the group), and Keabetsi Dikobe.
They allegedly made presentations at schools and gave children pairs of school shoes, pretending to be giving back to poor communities. They also employed local people to do their work.
According to Capt Dineo Sekgotodi, spokesperson for the Hawks in Mpumalanga, the alleged scammers held events where people won prizes in competitions. They were targeting professionals such as nurses, teachers and police officers, in an attempt to make people think they are legit. More than 5 000 victims fell into their trap.
“These so-called investments were divided into three categories: silver, gold and platinum. The silver category interest was 80% of the invested amount, the gold category’s interest was 100% and the platinum category’s interest was 150%.
“The Mr Coin office that was at a mall at Elukwatini recruited and attracted people from Nhlazatshe, Elukwatini, Ekulindeni and other surrounding places.”
According to Capt Sekgotodi, there were also other offices at Carolina, Ermelo and Dundonald which recruited and attracted people from surrounding areas.
“The investment money was brought in cash and not deposited into bank accounts. They also paid people in cash as their pay-outs. They tried their utmost best to hide the evidence and their identities.”
The victims went to the offices on March 11to make some claims and found the offices were closed. Information was reported to the Hawks for investigation.
“It is alleged that the suspects were speaking Zulu, except for one woman who was speaking Setswana,” said Capt Sekgotodi.
Maj-Gen Zodwa Mokoena requested the public to assist with information on the whereabouts of the suspects by contacting the investigating officer in this case, Capt Thembinkosi Nkambule on 082 303 9872.
The General concluded by urging the public not to be deceived by the scammers
