Woman Defrauded of R650,000 by ‘Boyfriend’ and Fake Prophetess
What began as a hopeful romance for a 39-year-old woman from Limpopo spiraled into a devastating tale of deception, financial ruin, and betrayal. Two foreign nationals—28-year-old Serage Martin Lubenga and 33-year-old Rhoda Mirembe—have each been sentenced to 20 years in prison for orchestrating a sophisticated scam that exploited the woman’s trust, faith, and vulnerability.
The ordeal began in 2023 when the woman, whose identity is protected, met Lubenga. Introducing himself simply as “Martin,” he quickly gained her trust and affection. As their relationship deepened, the woman confided in him about her financial difficulties and desire for a better future. In response, Martin offered what appeared to be a lifeline: a connection to a prophet who could help her overcome her struggles.
That prophet, known as “Alice,” was in fact Rhoda Mirembe. Portraying herself as a spiritual guide with access to divine solutions, Mirembe invited the woman to prayer sessions. During one such meeting, Mirembe arrived in a luxury BMW and presented a suitcase purportedly containing R4 million in cash. She told the woman that she could claim the money—but only after paying a 10% activation fee.
Clinging to the hope of financial freedom, the woman secured a R650,000 loan from the bank and handed it over. But the miracle never came.
Mirembe and Lubenga further manipulated their victim by taking her personal documents, claiming they needed them to “pray for a job promotion.” Only after repeated empty promises did the woman realise she had been duped. She reported the crime to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks), who swiftly launched an investigation.
The subsequent probe revealed a calculated scheme. The scammers had used the stolen funds to finance a life of luxury, renting upscale properties and acquiring high-end vehicles—including a BMW X6, a Range Rover, and two Mercedes-Benz models—all of which have since been seized as proceeds of crime.
Last week, Lubenga and Mirembe were convicted on two counts of fraud and one count of corruption. They were each sentenced to 20 years in prison, with 15 years as direct imprisonment. In addition, the court declared both individuals unfit to possess firearms.
Major General Gopz Govender, head of the Limpopo Hawks, commended the investigation team for their persistence in bringing the perpetrators to justice. “This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the dangers of placing trust in individuals who exploit emotional and spiritual vulnerabilities for personal gain,” he said.
While justice has been served, the emotional and financial scars left on the victim remain. Her story is a stark reminder of how quickly love can turn into a weapon in the hands of those driven by greed.
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