Scammed series: How a 'prophet' convinced SANDF corporal to resign, and stole his R1.4 million
The prophet transferred R1.4 million from the bank account of the former SANDF corporal into the account of Phakamile Mangwejana Mohoto who has been arrested by the Hawks.
Image: Hawks
A 24-year-old man, Phakamile Mangwejana Mohoto has appeared before the Phalaborwa Magistrate's Court on charges of fraud, after a member of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) was defrauded of more than R1.4 million.
Limpopo provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa said Mohoto was remanded in police custody.
“This follows his arrest by the investigators attached to the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation (also known as the Hawks) based in Phalaborwa,” said Mmuroa.
It is alleged that in 2023, Mohoto was part of a fraudulent scheme which caused the former SANDF member, who had the rank of corporal, to lose over R1.4 million.
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“According to the report, the victim got sick. While seeking medical assistance, he met a foreign national, a man, who called himself a prophet. The prophet allegedly prophesied that the victim could be healed if he can resign from the SANDF.
“He (the SANDF member) was informed that he would become wealthy through business ventures funded by his pension payout. Following this advice, the victim resigned in October 2023. He received an amount of over R1.4 million pension payout on 14 January 2024,” said Mmuroa.
“On 15 January 2024, the prophet allegedly visited the victim, and transferred his pension payout into the account number of Mr Mohoto (the accused) without the knowledge of the victim.”
Later on, the unwitting SANDF member went to an ATM, intending to withdraw some money, and he was shocked when his request was declined due to insufficient funds in his bank account.
“He went into the bank to inquire and found out that his money was transferred to a different bank account. He attempted to contact the prophet, but the phone went to voice mail,” said Mmuroa.
The victim went to Phalaborwa police station seeking assistance.
A case docket of fraud was opened and transferred to the Phalaborwa-based Hawks serious commercial crime investigation unit for further handling.
Investigations were conducted and the case was handed to the National Prosecuting Authority for a decision.
Subsequently, a warrant of arrest was authorised against Mohoto.
“According to the report, the victim got sick. While seeking medical assistance, he met a foreign national, a man, who called himself a prophet. The prophet allegedly prophesied that the victim could be healed if he can resign from the SANDF.
“He (the SANDF member) was informed that he would become wealthy through business ventures funded by his pension payout. Following this advice, the victim resigned in October 2023. He received an amount of over R1.4 million pension payout on 14 January 2024,” said Mmuroa.
“On 15 January 2024, the prophet allegedly visited the victim, and transferred his pension payout into the account number of Mr Mohoto (the accused) without the knowledge of the victim.”
Later on, the unwitting former SANDF member went to an ATM, intending to withdraw some money, and he was shocked when his request was declined due to insufficient funds in his bank account.
“He went into the bank to inquire and found out that his money was transferred to a different bank account. He attempted to contact the prophet, but the phone was on voice mail,” said Mmuroa.
The victim went to Phalaborwa police station seeking assistance.
A case docket of fraud was opened and transferred to the Phalaborwa-based Hawks serious commercial crime investigation unit for further handling.
Investigations were conducted and the case was handed to the National Prosecuting Authority for a decision.
Subsequently, a warrant of arrest was authorised against Mohoto.
The prophet transferred R1.4 million from the bank account of the former SANDF corporal into the account of Phakamile Mangwejana Mohoto who has been arrested by the Hawks.
Image: Hawks
“He was traced and arrested in Polokwane on 14 May 2025. He allegedly appeared in court and his matter was postponed to 22 May 2025 for bail application,” said Mmuroa.
Hawks' investigations are still continuing.
Earlier, IOL reported that the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Polokwane has sentenced two foreign nationals, Serage Martin Lubenga, 28, and Rhoda Mirembe, 33, to 20 years imprisonment each after they were convicted for fraud.
IOL has extensively covered the duo’s arrest in 2023, after they allegedly scammed a 39-year-old Limpopo woman. The scammed woman’s identity is withheld to protect her from secondary victimisation.
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