'Healer' accused of R1m pension scam

A man claiming to be a traditional healer was arrested in East London yesterday for allegedly defrauding a teacher of more than R1-million, the Hawks said.

The unit's Captain Paul Ramaloko said it was alleged that the Ugandan defrauded the teacher of her pension money after promising that her ancestors would increase it to R8-million.

He told her that her forefathers wanted her to quit her job, which she did.

"The teacher was made to resign in 2012," said Ramaloko.

He said that three other "bogus doctors" were also arrested.

The four men, all foreigners, will appear in the East London Magistrate's Court tomorrow. The police's Captain Stephen Marais said the Department of Home Affairs would investigate their backgrounds.

"We need to check if there is any legitimate reason why they are here, and what are they doing here," Marais said.

The police have asked that victims of scams perpetrated by bogus traditional healers handing out pamphlets in the street come forward.

"We know there are many other bogus traditional healers fooling people and stealing their money.

"Victims should come forward with information," Ramaloko said.