How Gauteng woman lost R1m to her lover in fake coltan deal

THE Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, has arrested a 48-year-old man believed to be part of a criminal syndicate behind a string of high-value coltan scams across Gauteng.

- JONISAYI MAROMO

Columbite-tantalite, known as coltan for short, is a dull black metallic ore that is abundant in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Tantalum, from coltan, is used to manufacture capacitors, which are used for mobile phones, computers, automotive electronics, and cameras, among other gadgets.

Bovic Tshibangu appeared briefly in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, facing a fraud charge following his arrest on October 5 at a club in Yeoville, Johannesburg.

According to Hawks spokesperson in Gauteng, Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela, Tshibangu allegedly posed as a mining executive to defraud a woman of more than R1 million in a fake coltan deal.

The Hawks allege that Tshibangu met the complainant in August 2023 at a Johannesburg mall and introduced himself as “Mike.” After befriending the victim, he claimed to work for a mining company called IRWD, and later convinced her to fund the purchase of a special chemical purportedly needed to process the mineral.