Woman, boyfriend in court for extorting money from husband
A 34-year-old woman and her boyfriend [60] will appear before the Seshego Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday for faking kidnapping and extortion of money from her husband.
On 2 May 2025, the husband reported his wife missing after she failed to arrive at her destination in Garawele Village around Mokopane. The husband had dropped off his wife at Tibane Crossroad hiking spot around 11:00.
When attempts to contact his wife that evening proved unsuccessful, and family members confirmed she had not arrived at her destination, the husband suspected foul play and immediately reported the matter to the Police.
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While providing his statement to police, the husband received a distressing phone call from his wife’s cellphone.
An unknown male voice demanded a R 5000 ransom, while the sound of a woman crying could be heard in the background. The caller abruptly ended the call, only to phone again from a different number with further ransom demands.
However, police investigation revealed a shocking twist – there was no kidnapping. The woman had voluntarily left with her boyfriend and both individuals had orchestrated the entire deception, including the ransom calls, to extort money from the unsuspecting husband.
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Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has issued a stern warning regarding such criminal deception.
“The SAPS will not tolerate individuals who manipulate family bonds and exploit genuine concern to commit fraud and extortion,” she said.
“This case demonstrates the emotional trauma and resource wastage caused by false reporting and criminal deception. We want to send a clear message that fabricating kidnapping scenarios for financial gain is a serious criminal offense that will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
“Our officers work tirelessly to investigate genuine missing person cases, and those who abuse this system will face the consequences,” added Lieutenant General Hadebe.
