Mbabane– A 45-year-old Ngwane Park man was allegedly swindled out of E27 000 after falling victim to a fake platinum investment scheme in Manzini, information gathered from sources has revealed.
According to information obtained by this publication, the incident occurred on July 18 at around 7:30am while the complainant was in Manzini town. It is alleged that an unknown man approached him and presented what appeared to be a lucrative business opportunity involving the purchase and resale of platinum.
The suspect allegedly claimed he had access to platinum that could be bought and later sold at a substantial profit, convincing the complainant to invest in the purported deal.
Believing the proposal to be genuine, the complainant reportedly handed over E20 000 in cash and two cellular phones valued at E7 000 as surety to demonstrate his commitment to paying the remaining balance once the transaction was completed.
However, after receiving the money and cellphones, the suspect allegedly disappeared and never returned with the promised platinum. It was only then that the complainant realized he had fallen victim to a scam.
Police have since opened a case of theft by false pretences and launched investigations to trace the suspect.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has appealed to members of the public who may have information that could assist in the arrest of the suspect to contact the police emergency lines on 999, 9999 or 112
REPS spokesperson Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing.
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