The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crimes unit in the Free State is searching for suspects who have allegedly swindled about 60 people in Ladybrand out of their money through a get-rich-quick investment scheme.
The wanted couple are Albert David Titus and Bonolo Millicent Titus.
They ran the scheme during 2020.
Capt. Christopher Singo, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, confirmed that investors had lost R600 000, combined.
He said the couple has since disappeared from the place where they had ran the scheme. The Hawks Serious Commercial Crimes unit in Bethlehem is investigating the matter.
Singo said the whereabouts of the Titus couple were unknown.
“The Hawks are appealing to the public to assist with information about the whereabouts of the couple. Any information received will be treated with strict confidentiality,” said Singo.
He said according to statements received from the victims, they had invested different amounts of money with a promise of receiving interest after a period of 30 days.
“They did not receive their money, nor returns on monies invested, as promised by the suspects,” said Singo.
The victims became aware they had been defrauded upon not finding the suspects at a place of business they had ran the scheme from in Ladybrand.
Anyone with reliable information that could assist the police in finding the Titus couple is requested to contact the investigating officer, WO Sidwell Mpholo, on 082-372-0386.
Meanwhile, another alleged conman, Moeketsi Ntshasa (36), is remanded in custody after the Ladybrand Magistrate’s Court turned down his bail application during his appearance on 23 August.
His arrest relates to a bogus scheme known as Integrated Investment Inn, through which 500 people were allegedly defrauded out of R15 million, combined.
Ntshasa was apprehended on 15 August at his hiding place in Gauteng following intensive investigation by the Hawks. He faces charges ranging from fraud and money laundering to the contravention of section 7 of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act and contravention of section 11 of the Banks Act. The case against is set to be heard on 31 October.
