Gauteng woman defrauded of R1 million by lover in coltan scam

The Hawks have arrested a 48-year-old man, Bovic Tshibangu, who is believed to be part of a criminal syndicate involved in a series of high-value coltan scams across Gauteng.

Coltan, short for columbite-tantalite, is a dull black metallic ore primarily found in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This mineral is a vital source of tantalum, which is used in the production of capacitors for various electronic devices, including mobile phones, computers, automotive electronics, and cameras. Tshibangu made a brief appearance in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, where he faces a fraud charge following his arrest on 5 October at a club in Yeoville, Johannesburg.

According to Hawks spokesperson, 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.

"A week after the pair started dating, Mike asked the complainant to call a person by the name of Catalia to set up an appointment for him. The appointment was set up and Mike invited the complainant to join him in the meeting. During the meeting, Mike handed the complainant an envelope containing what looked like black stones," said Mavimbela.

Catalia then informed Mike that she would pay Mike R26 million for the stones after they had been verified to be the mineral called Coltan. At a later stage, the stones were apparently verified by two individuals alleged to be working at IRWD mine, to be coltan.

"The two then informed Mike that these (stones) contain heat and would require a certain chemical to cool the minerals. Mike then borrowed R290,000 from the complainant to purchase the said chemical, which was then transferred by the complainant. Mike continued to borrow money from the complainant until it amounted to R1 million."

The complainant allegedly transferred around R1 million to Mike over a period of time, believing she was investing in a legitimate coltan transaction.

In September 2023, the complainant discovered that Mike was in fact, part of a syndicate that scams unsuspecting victims out of money while pretending to be a coltan dealer.

A case was registered at the Midrand SAPS, which was then transferred to the Hawks’ serious commercial crime investigation unit.

Further investigations linked Tshibangu to another R2 million fraud case, in which five suspects — including his wife Rejoyce Keseke, Lindiwe Makelele, Zingah Mpoyi, Sylvano Kayembe, and Lars Niehaus — have already been arrested on charges of theft, fraud, and money laundering. That case is currently before the courts.

Both of Tshibangu’s cases have been postponed to 10 and 21 October 2025 for formal bail applications.

Meanwhile, Hawks Gauteng provincial head, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, commended the investigating officer for his “professionalism and unwavering dedication” in tackling the complex web of coltan-related scams.

Kadwa urged the public to remain vigilant.

“These scammers prey on unsuspecting victims, often targeting those perceived to have wealth. We urge the public to report any suspicious individuals or transactions to the Hawks,” he said.

The Hawks’ serious commercial crime investigation unit continues to probe the expanding coltan scam network, which has defrauded several victims under the guise of high-value mineral trading.

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