Fraudster Duo Masquerading as Traditional Healers Jailed for R3 Million Scam in South Africa

In a stunning case of deception and abuse of traditional beliefs, two men have been handed a 10-year jail sentence by the East London Regional Court for defrauding a victim of exactly R3 million. The perpetrators, Kiseka Rashid, aged 46, and Tony Lubenga, 34, pretended to be traditional healers with the mystical power to multiply money by invoking ancestors. Their ruse, which led to a severe financial loss for the complainant, ended in a lengthy prison term, sending a clear message about the seriousness of such crimes.

On July 1, 2019, an unsuspecting individual sought the assistance of what he believed to be a traditional healer in the Central Business District (CBD) of East London, South Africa. The victim was directed to a consulting room where Rashid and Lubenga presented themselves as conduits to the ancestral world. It was during this session that the complainant was convinced he was communicating with his ancestors.

The two con artists then manipulated the complainant into making life-altering decisions. They persuaded him to resign from his job to access his pension fund, which they promised could be multiplied through ancestral blessings. Trusting in their false claims, the complainant resigned, withdrew his entire pension fund, and handed the sum over to Rashid and Lubenga. It was not long before the devastating impact of their deceit became apparent, as the promised increase in funds never materialized.

Fortunately, the case caught the attention of the East London-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks, South Africa's Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. Swift and thorough inquiries followed, leading to the arrest of Rashid and Lubenga on March 18, 2021. The subsequent court appearances over three years culminated in their sentencing on July 4, 2024. Alongside the fraud conviction, the duo was found guilty of violating the Immigration Act and received an additional three-month sentence to run concurrently.

The sentencing of Rashid and Lubenga serves as a stern warning to those who would exploit traditional beliefs for their gain. It underscores the dedication of South African law enforcement agencies such as the Hawks in uprooting and combating commercial crime. While the victim's financial loss is undeniable, the successful prosecution of these fraudulent traditional healers offers a measure of justice.

The incidence of fake traditional healers is a challenge in South Africa, where such venerated roles are integral to cultural practices. It stresses the importance of public awareness and caution when seeking the services of traditional healers, highlighting the need for verification and trust-building within communities to prevent future scams of this scale.

As the fraudsters start their significant time in prison, the case also brings to the fore discussions on the collaboration between the community, traditional healing authorities, and the legal system to combat the misuse of cultural heritage for criminal activities. These discussions are pivotal to safeguard the sanctity of traditional practices and to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.