A 39-year-old man has been arrested in South Africa in connection with a decade-old investment scam that allegedly defrauded a teacher of more than R1.27 million. William Matyuba was apprehended at OR Tambo International Airport on February 5, 2026, after evading police for several years, authorities said. The case centers around a scheme that preyed on the victim’s beliefs, promising substantial financial returns through what was described as an “ancestral investment.” This incident highlights the growing threat of scams exploiting cultural and spiritual beliefs for financial gain.
According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba, Matyuba allegedly convinced the teacher that her ancestors were instructing her to resign from her job and invest her pension payout. He then promised extraordinary financial returns on this investment. Acting on this advice, the victim transferred a significant sum of money to Matyuba, who authorities claim misappropriated the funds and subsequently disappeared. The arrest marks a significant step in bringing the alleged perpetrator to justice after years of remaining at large.
The Decade-Long Scheme and the Victim’s Loss
The alleged fraud dates back over ten years, with the teacher reportedly losing her entire pension – totaling R1.27 million – to the scheme. The Citizen reports that Matyuba initially appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court before the matter was transferred to the Zwelitsha Magistrate’s Court, where he appeared on February 13. His bail application is scheduled to be heard on February 26. The substantial financial loss suffered by the teacher underscores the devastating impact such scams can have on individuals and their families.
Arrest at OR Tambo International Airport
Matyuba’s arrest took place at OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng as he was entering South Africa, according to authorities. IOL News details that he had been evading police for many years. The coordinated effort involving the Hawks, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Movement Control, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) at the airport led to his successful apprehension. This arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in tackling complex financial crimes.
Warning from Law Enforcement
Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, the Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, issued a stern warning to potential fraudsters. He stated that the arrest should serve as a clear message that law enforcement will not tolerate schemes that exploit and deceive citizens. “The arrest should serve as a warning to fraudsters,” Ngwenya said, “adding that law enforcement would not tolerate schemes that exploit and deceive citizens.” This statement emphasizes the commitment of authorities to protect vulnerable individuals from falling victim to fraudulent activities.
The Nature of the ‘Ancestral Investment’ Scam
The scam appears to have exploited the victim’s spiritual beliefs, convincing her that her ancestors were guiding her financial decisions. This tactic is increasingly common in fraudulent schemes, preying on individuals’ vulnerabilities and trust. sundayworld.co.za refers to Matyuba as an ‘ancestral’ scamster, highlighting the specific method used to deceive the victim. The promise of miraculous returns, coupled with the appeal to ancestral guidance, proved to be a powerful lure for the teacher.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The case is currently proceeding through the South African legal system. Matyuba’s bail application is scheduled for February 26, where the court will determine whether he will be released on bail pending the outcome of the trial. The Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) of the Hawks in East London is leading the investigation, working closely with the NPA to build a strong case against the accused. The outcome of the bail hearing and subsequent trial will be closely watched by those affected by similar scams.
Authorities urge anyone who may have been a victim of similar schemes to come forward and report it to the police. Protecting oneself from these types of scams requires vigilance and skepticism, particularly when dealing with unsolicited investment opportunities or promises of extraordinary returns.
The next step in the case is Matyuba’s bail hearing on February 26, where the court will decide whether to grant him bail. Further updates will be provided as the legal proceedings unfold. If you have information related to this case, or believe you may have been a victim of a similar scam, please contact your local law enforcement agency.
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