Family Duo Charged in Alleged R2m Online Romance Scam Targeting Deceased Pensioner

In a tale of deception and loss, an aunt and her nephew stand accused in a South African court for allegedly pocketing more than R2 million from a 67-year-old widow who ventured into the digital world in search of companionship. Kgotlelelo Molokoane, 42, and Thabang, 34, are facing serious allegations of defrauding pensioner Joanne Katz through an elaborate Tinder scam that unfolded over a decade ago. Their case was heard today at the Palm Ridge magistrate's court.

Joanne Katz, a widow who sought affection and connection following the loss of her spouse, reportedly encountered a man on the dating platform Tinder in August 2014. This individual, who identified himself as Shane Brandauer, claimed to be a prosperous medical supply contractor with a lucrative hospital deal. He wove a narrative that appealed to Katz's heart and financial sensibilities, ultimately convincing her to transfer significant amounts of money to Brandauer's accounts, which she believed would yield substantial returns.

The state's narrative reveals a heartbreaking story of trust exploited. Katz transferred a total sum of R2,020,000, driven by the conviction that she was investing in both a business and a blossoming romantic relationship. Regrettably, the meeting with Brandauer never materialized. Following a distressing period of silence from Brandauer, Katz sought help from law enforcement.

The focused probe by the police mapped a trail from the victim's finances to the bank accounts of the accused family members. The layers of the scam peeled away to reveal that Brandauer was a fictional character, a phantom crafted by Molokoane and her nephew Thabang to swindle Katz.

Further investigations confirmed that no one under the pseudonym Shane Brandauer had ever secured a contract with Olivedale Hospital—a striking revelation that nothing about the investment was genuine. As a result, the aunt-nephew duo was apprehended and now faces charges of fraud, theft, and violating the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, reflecting the gravity of their purported crime.

In a somber twist to an already tragic saga, it was reported that Joanne Katz passed away earlier this year at the age of 77, due to natural causes. Despite her absence, the pursuit of justice continues, with the matter adjourned to September 30.

The South African justice system is now tasked with unraveling the intricate web of deception spun by the duo, a cautionary tale highlighting the dangers lurking in the virtual alleys of online dating platforms.