A shocking tale of deception has unfolded in the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court, where a 39-year-old interpreter, Mahlako Charmaine Nchabeleng, has been arrested for allegedly scamming unsuspecting victims out of large sums of money. The Limpopo police accuse Nchabeleng of promising employment as casual workers, instructing victims to deposit substantial amounts into her bank account to expedite the process. However, the victims were never employed, and a staggering R250,000 was deposited into her account ¹.
The investigation, which began in June 2023, revealed that Nchabeleng’s scam spanned from 2019 to 2020, while she was employed as an interpreter at the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court. The victims, who were duped into believing they would secure employment, reported the matter to the Department of Justice, leading to the opening of a fraud case. The Limpopo Provincial Commercial Crime Unit took over the investigation, ultimately leading to Nchabeleng’s arrest this week.
The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has commended the police for their excellent work in apprehending Nchabeleng. As the investigation continues, the case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of fraud and the importance of vigilant law enforcement. Nchabeleng remains in police custody, facing allegations of fraud that exceed R200,000.
