The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crimes Unit in the Free State has arrested a Ficksburg man in connection with a fraudulent get-rich-quick investment scheme.
The suspect, Motsamai Samuel Nyamane (48), briefly appeared in the Ficksburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (29/06), facing charges of fraud.
Capt. Christopher Singo, spokesperson for the Hawks in the Free State, said the suspected conman’s arrest on 8 June followed the conclusion of an investigation into the fraud scheme. According to Singo, thus far a group of 38 people have opened cases after apparently losing money in Nyamane’s get-rich-quick scheme called Sea of Mountains. “The victims invested their money with a promise of getting 50% interest on return within 30 days for monies invested. However, the victims never received their money as promised by Nyamane,” said Singo.
According to investigation, Nyamane scammed the victims from April until December 2018. Singo said that the victims lost more than R600 000, combined. Nyamane is expected to reappear in the Ficksburg Regional Court on 15 July for a pre-trial hearing, after he was granted bail of R10 000 with conditions during his brief appearance. The team of the elite crime fighting unit based in Bethlehem is investigating the matter.
