A 39-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a decade-old fraud scheme that allegedly swindled a school teacher out of more than R1.27 million under the guise of an “ancestral” directive.
The Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) of the Hawks in East London, in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Movement Control, and SAPS at OR Tambo International Airport, effected the arrest of William Matyuba on 5 February 2026.
According to the investigative team, Matyuba allegedly convinced the complainant, a school teacher, that her ancestors were instructing her to resign from her job and invest her pension payout. The suspect reportedly promised the victim miraculous returns on the investment.
Following these instructions, the victim allegedly transferred substantial sums of money to Matyuba. It is alleged that Matyuba subsequently misappropriated the funds and disappeared.
After evading capture for several years, Matyuba was apprehended upon re-entering South Africa at OR Tambo International Airport.
He was initially brought before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court before being transferred to appear in the Zwelitsha Magistrate’s Court on 13 February 2026. Matyuba is scheduled to appear in court again on 26 February 2026 for a formal bail application.