Dating scam duo sentenced to 20 years

Two foreign nationals, Serage Martin Lubenga (28) and Rhoda Mirembe (33), were sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment each for their involvement in a dating scam.

- Koketšo Sekhwela

The judgment was handed down by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Polokwane on Friday. According to Hawks spokesperson Lethunya Mmuroa, the pair defrauded a 39-year-old woman of R650 000 in September last year by acting in common purpose under false pretences. The victim met Lubenga, who introduced himself as “Martin,” and the two soon became friends. Over time, the woman began sharing personal and financial challenges with him. Lubenga then introduced her to a so-called prophet named “Alice”, who was later revealed to be co-accused Rhoda Mirembe. The victim began regular prayer sessions with Alice, who once arrived at her home in a luxury vehicle and presented a bag full of counterfeit notes,