A Nigerian woman who had been on the run for five years has been arrested by the police at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. The 54-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with cases of fraud and theft by false pretences. She allegedly defrauded unsuspecting job seekers and people aspiring to acquire nursing qualifications. The suspect allegedly ran bogus nursing colleges and fraudulently registered unsuspecting students under the pretext they were to acquire diplomas in nursing. The victims were also assured of employment upon completion of their studies.
The breakthrough happened on Saturday when detectives from Makhado received information about the wanted suspect returning to South Africa from Nigeria and arriving at OR Tambo International Airport at midday. The members pounced on her soon after she arrived at the airport. The suspect appeared in the Louis Trichardt magistrate’s court on Monday, March 13.
The police spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, who disclosed these in a statement on Monday, said the woman had been on the run since 2017 after she fled to Nigeria. The suspect managed to evade arrest until Saturday when she was apprehended. Police investigations are continuing.
This arrest is a significant step towards bringing justice to the victims of this fraudulent scheme. The suspect’s alleged actions have caused harm to many people who were seeking to better their lives through education and employment. The police’s swift action in apprehending the suspect is commendable and sends a strong message that fraudulent activities will not be tolerated in South Africa.
