Free State - Free State police on Tuesday reported that a bogus traditional herbalist had conned a man out of almost half a million rand.
Free State police spokesperson Molebongeng Lechesa confirmed that Welkom police were investigating a case of theft after a 52-year-old man reported that he was conned out of his home and pension payout by a bogus herbalist and his accomplice.
Lechesa said: “In August a man from Masilo, Theunissen, was on his way home from the doctor when he was given a pamphlet of the traditional herbalist. The victim got interested and visited the person who calls himself Dr Mama in Bok Street, Welkom, where he paid R250 and was given a small portion to drink and he left.”
He said that a week later, Dr Mama contacted the man and told him to see him, and he did so, with his wife. They paid R50 for two bottles of liquor for the consultation, and were taken to a dark room where they were instructed to sing traditional songs.
“They allegedly heard a loud knock and somebody was flying on top of their heads telling them how they live and all their problems. Afterwards they were given a small portion and asked to bring 5kg of soil from their home,” said Lechesa.
Four days later, the couple returned to Dr Mama who asked them much money they wanted. The wife said R1 million, and the man said R5 million. Dr Mama gave them a bag and when the victim opened it, he saw R100 notes. Dr Mama told them that he and his wife would receive R10 million and R4 million respectively.
Lechesa said that “Dr Mama allegedly asked the husband to resign from his work as he is going to be rich and he did as instructed and resigned. The husband withdrew all his money (which amounted to) R345 640 in December 2014 and gave it to Dr Mama”.
The victim contacted Dr Mama after some time had passed, but did not get through to him as his phone was answered by someone else called Badimo, who told him that Dr Mama had gone to the mountains. This person advised the victim that he should sell his house for R150 000 and give the money to Dr Mama, which the victim did.
The victim only realised he was conned when he could not contact or find Dr Mama, added Lechesa.
A case of theft has been opened but no arrests have been made to date. It is believed the two men who conned the man were from Nigeria and Malawi, between the ages of 28 and 35 years old.
The Welkom Free State police who were still investigating the case have appealed to the public to assist them in their search for the conmen, and to contact then should they have any information.
ANA