Mbombela (Nelspruit) – Two Ugandans 45-year-old Bosco Owino and 48-year-old Robert Ssebataaz have been remanded in custody after they were arrested for a “black dollar scam” in which victims were lured by claims they could double their money.
The pair appeared in the Nelspruit District Court on Monday, (11 November 2024), for Fraud, Contravention of the Tax Administration Act, and Contravention of the Reserve Bank Act.
Allegations are that the pair tried to swindle their landlord out of an inheritance windfall.
The accused allegedly persuaded the landlord to bring the money in cash so that they could double it using “black dollars”.
Recounting further events leading to the arrest of the Ugandans a Hawks spokesperson said: “The landlord was also persuaded to assist in purchasing chemicals to remove dye stains from cash notes, with the promise of a share”.
However, the landlord became suspicious and reported the matter to the police, before it was referred to elite crimebusters – the Hawks.
As part of their probe, the Hawks conducted a search and seizure operation at the residence of the accused and found a huge bundle of black paper money notes, three bottles of chemicals, and a steel safe.
Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotod said Owino and Ssebataaz were arrested at their rented accommodation at Sonheuwel, Mbombela on Friday, (8 November 2024).
They spent the weekend behind bars and appeared in court on Monday.
Their case was postponed to Wednesday, 13 November 2024, for further investigation and possible bail application.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Gerber warned members of the public to refrain from surrendering their monies and not to fall for ridiculous scams.
“There is no chemical or process in the world that can double your money,” said Major General Gerber.
“These people are unscrupulous and will stop at nothing to get their hands on your money.
“The public is urged to report such incidents to the police.”
