How Fake Love on a Dating Site Devastated an Elderly Cape Woman (And Why We Must Protect Our Oumas Now)
CCN Reporting
Muizenberg:- Three local women are behind bars after allegedly using sweet talk and fake online romance to drain more than R14 million from a trusting elderly victim between 2017 and 2018.
Asanda Dwesini (39), Nomphelo Fetman (32) and Shan Gabrelle Lewis (47) made a brief first appearance in Muizenberg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. They were arrested the same morning by the Bellville Serious Commercial Crime team, with backup from the National Intervention Unit (NIU). The case has been postponed to Thursday for bail information, all three remain in custody.
The alleged scheme was heart breakingly simple: fake profiles on a dating website, flirtatious messages, made-up sob stories, and then the slow drip of cash requests. What started as “love” ended as a R14 million fraud and money-laundering operation. Some reports even call the trio “money mules” who helped wash the stolen funds.
While the headlines scream “arrest”, the deeper story, the one that matters most to Western Cape families, is this: our elders are still being targeted in 2026, even though the scam happened years ago. These criminals don’t care about age, loneliness or trust. They just see an opportunity.
This isn’t just another crime story. It’s a loud wake-up call for every son, daughter and grandchild in Malmesbury, Bellville, Muizenberg and beyond. Romance scams don’t only steal money, they steal dignity, peace of mind and sometimes the last years of someone’s life. And because investigations can take years (this one surfaced only now), many victims suffer in silence.
How to protect the people you love right now (share this with your family group chat):
– Never send money, gift cards or crypto to someone you’ve only met online, no matter how convincing the “emergency” story is.
– Insist on a video call early – Scammers hate cameras.
– Talk openly with parents or grandparents about their dating apps. Offer to review messages together.
– Set up bank alerts for large or unusual transfers.
– If something feels off, call the SAPS Cyber crime unit or visit www.saps.gov.za immediately.
– Remember: real love doesn’t ask for money from strangers.
The SAPS and Hawks are clearly stepping up, but the best defence is still community awareness. Forward this to every older relative you have, it could save a retirement fund… or even a life.
The next court date is 26 March 2026. We’ll keep watching for updates. Stay safe out there, Western Cape. Love should lift you up, never empty your bank account.
