29 April 2022
The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation based in Secunda is investigating three fraud cases whereby a company called “Mr Coin” deceived people to invest their monies by promising them that they shall get 80% to 150% interest.
It is alleged that in January 2021, about nine scammers being seven males and two females, recruited residents around Elukwatini and promised them that if they bring people to invest they will be paid 10% commission for each recruit.
It is also alleged that the suspects were speaking Zulu speaking except a lady who was Tswana speaking.
The team is said to have made presentations at schools and donated to school shoes to children making seem as if they were giving back to poor communities.
It is also said that they even employed local people and also hosted events where people won prices in competitions.
Professionals like nurses, teachers, police officers etc, were targeted so that people would think their scheme is legit and more than five thousand (5000) victims fell into their trap.
This so called investments were divided into three categories: silver, gold and platinum. Silver category’s interest was 80% of the invested amount, gold category’s interest was 100% and the platinum category’s interest was 150%.
The “Mr. Coin” office that was at a mall at Elukwatini recruited and attracted people from Nhlazatshe, Elukwatini, Ekulindeni including other surrounding areas.
They also had other offices at Carolina, Ermelo and Dundonuld which recruited and attracted people from surrounding areas.
The investment money was brought in cash and not deposited in any bank accounts.
They also paid people’s pay-outs in cash.
It is further alleged that on 11 March 2022, victims went to the offices to make their claims and found the offices closed and the matter was reported to the Hawks for investigation.
Major General Zodwa Mokoena requests members of the public to assist with information on the whereabouts of the suspects by contacting the investigating officer in this case Captain Thembinkosi Nkambule on 082 303 9872.
The General concluded by urging members of the public not to be deceived by the scammers of their hard earned money.