A self-proclaimed traditional healer who allegedly posed as a Kenyan prince has been arrested for allegedly defrauding an Eastern Cape teacher out of her R1.27 million pension — a decade after the money disappeared.
Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba said 39-year-old William Matyuba allegedly convinced the teacher that her ancestors wanted her to resign from her job, cash out her pension, and invest the payout for “miraculous” returns.
“Following these instructions, the victim transferred large sums of money, which the accused allegedly misappropriated and disappeared with,” Fumba said.
Matyuba allegedly told the woman he was a prince from Kenya and a traditional healer. The two exchanged contact details and, according to Fumba, arranged several meetings at different locations in and around Qonce in the Eastern Cape.
“During these meetings, the accused allegedly provided the complainant with traditional medicines and gave specific instructions on how they should be used. The complainant reportedly complied with all the instructions given,” Fumba said.
In 2016, Matyuba allegedly escalated his demands, telling the teacher that her ancestors were instructing her to resign from her post, withdraw her pension benefits and invest the money.
“The accused allegedly provided bank account details into which the pension payout was to be deposited, claiming that the money would be increased through ancestral intervention,” Fumba added.
Once the R1.27 million pension payout was transferred, Matyuba allegedly vanished, leaving the teacher with nothing.
After about 10 years on the run, Matyuba was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on 5 February this year. He first appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court before the case was transferred to the Zwelitsha Magistrate’s Court in Qonce, where he appeared on Friday.
He has been charged with fraud and was remanded in custody until 26 February, when he is expected to apply for bail.
Hawks Eastern Cape head, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, welcomed the arrest.
“We will not tolerate schemes that exploit and deceive our citizens. Anyone who believes they can manipulate the system should take heed, and justice will inevitably catch up with you,” Ngwenya said.
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