The Hawks in the Eastern Cape have issued a warning to government employees about a scam involving people claiming to be traditional healers.
This follows the arrest of two people for allegedly fleecing several women out of approximately R8.5 million.
Police said the scamsters develop romantic ties with their victims before convincing them to resign and cash in their pensions.
The scamsters allegedly promise the women that they can increase their pension amounts through a fake cleansing ceremony.
Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Anelisa Feni, says several cases are under investigation, with more complaints streaming in.
She says they've established that there's a syndicate behind the scam and have now called on anyone who may have information to come forward.
In March a Ugandan National was sentenced to 15 years in prison after he stole R400 000 from a retired teacher.
Andrew Kabeera admitted in court that he lied to Patience Pumla pretending to be a businessman. He then introduced her to a traditional healer, Gladys Mamuzela, who promised to double her money.
Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority Luxulo Tyali says the sentence was fair since Kabeera showed no remorse, nor did he offer to pay back any of the money.
Mamuzela has pleaded not guilty and will be back in court on the 25th of April
