A 39-year-old Nigerian national, Gabriel Okori, has been remanded in custody in South Africa following his arrest for allegedly defrauding a woman of R3 million in a romance scam.
Okori, who posed as a white man named “Mark Hermanus” on Facebook, appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday, October 7, 2024.
His arrest occurred last Thursday in Cape Town, executed by South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), with support from the City of Cape Town’s law enforcement and a private security firm.
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela, the victim initially connected with “Hermanus” on Facebook, and their communication later shifted to WhatsApp.
“Hermanus” claimed his son was seriously ill, persuading the woman to send money for medical expenses. Over time, she transferred more than R3 million, believing she was aiding in his son’s treatment.
The suspect failed to repay the woman as promised, prompting her to report the case to the Hawks’ serious commercial crime investigation unit. Following an investigation, Gabriel Okori was identified and arrested in Cape Town.
Okori made his first court appearance in Pretoria, with the case adjourned until October 14.
