OVER 30 individuals have come forward claiming they each paid E2 000 to wanted suspect Thandeka Mamba for a trip to Mozambique.
The 32-year-old Mamba is wanted by the police for allegedly defrauding 17 bank employees out of E131 000 last week.
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The group waiting to travel to Bilene, Mozambique this weekend has lodged complaints and created a WhatsApp group to share information.
In the group, some mentioned that they had even paid E850 to go watch a match between Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane which played on Saturday.
One individual Andile Dlamini said that some paid via Mobile Money and eWallet, while others paid in cash.
“We are a group and we even paid for a trip to Polokwane to watch the game, but she left with the money. For the Mozambique trip, we paid E2000 and for the Polokwane trip, I already paid E400 because it was E850,” explained Dlamini.
ALSO READ | Agent vanishes with E131 000 in boat cruise scam
They trusted Mamba because she confidently presented herself as someone experienced in organising similar trips. This group adds to the growing list of alleged victims. Mamba, known on social media for her business called Khiya Angivuyi Travelling Agency, had promised the 17 bank employees a luxury boat cruise.
The group paid the full amount for the trip and travelled to Durban, only to find that the alleged organiser had disappeared. Instead of a cruise, they found themselves stranded and without any money.
The police continue their search for Mamba, who is now listed among the country’s most wanted suspects. Mamba reportedly has a history of arranging trips to destinations like Mozambique, South Africa, and Lesotho, which may have contributed to the trust she gained from her victims.
The bank employees had paid a total of E131 040 in installments, believing they were securing a fully organised cruise package that covered all travel, accommodation, and logistics.
REPS shared the notice last week urging anyone with information that may help lead to Mamba’s arrest to come forward.
Members of the public with credible leads are encouraged to contact Manzini Regional Crime Branch Officer, Senior Superintendent Thabo Hlophe, at 7606 8570, or Manzini Desk Officer, Inspector Bheki Madlopha, at 7603 2658.
Additionally, citizens may use the police toll-free emergency numbers 999, 9999, or 112, or send information via the REPS WhatsApp number 7999 1000. Deputy Police Information and Communications Officer (PICO) Assistant Nosipho Mnguni said in recent reports that no new victims had opened cases of fraud, apart from the 17 bankers who previously reported the matter.
“In our records, there are no recently opened cases against the suspect but she remains on our list of wanted individuals,” she said.
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