Two Ugandan nationals have received lengthy prison sentences for running the so-called "black dollar" scam, which entails duping victims of believing of believing that their money can be multiplied by means of performing certain rituals which involve "ancestors". Moses Orimutambira, 36, and Joram Nkiriho, 27, were sentenced in the Port Elizabeth Commercial Crimes Court on Monday to 15 and eight years in prison respectively after stealing R330,000 from at least one victim.
The complainant, Rhyno Olivier, had been promised a R2.2m “gift” in return – money which he never received.
The two convicted fraudsters, who had been living in the country illegally, were also found guilty of contravening sections of the Immigration Act.
The “black dollar” scam has been declared an unfair business practice by government.
Offenders, if found guilty, face a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding a year, or to both a fine and imprisonment.
According to their plea agreements, Orimutambira and Nkiriho, who had been living in Walmer before their arrest in May, placed a newspaper advert stating that they could assist people with their financial problems.
“The complainant [Olivier] made contact with the accused and met with them at various locations,” the document reads.
“He engaged in certain rituals [guided by the accused] whereby he was duped into believing that he can have his money multiplied.”
This meetings with Olivier took place between April and May, the accused admitted.
Olivier was then asked to bring all of his money to have it "blessed and multiplied".
Olivier's money did not multiply and his “gift” also never materialised.
Both accused admitted to committing fraud.