Public appeal: Hawks seek person of interest in elaborate investment swindle

THE Hawks have turned to the public for any information on the whereabouts of Princess Celerkosin Mseleku (Ntshangase) (51) over what they described as a “protracted investigation” into an alleged sophisticated and large-scale investment fraud scheme.

Hawks spokesperson Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said the scheme which reportedly operated from 2011 to 2015, resulted in unsuspecting members of the public being allegedly defrauded of substantial financial resources under the guise of legitimate investment opportunities.

Preliminary investigative findings revealed that a series of investment-related conferences were reportedly convened at the East London Golf Club between June 2011 and January 2015.

“During these engagements, the presenter apparently portrayed himself/herself as a credible and authorised investment intermediary, purporting to act on behalf of two entities, known as Coral Lagoon Investments and Global Gold Club Investments. The presenter ostensibly orchestrated a sophisticated misrepresentation scheme during the conference luring attendees to invest.

"Investigators alleged that these presentations were deliberately designed to convey legitimacy, financial credibility and international investment reach.”

The Hawks said attendees were reportedly assured that Global Gold Club Investments was actively engaged in offshore property portfolios and that investors would receive guaranteed returns of 18% over a three-year period.

“These representations allegedly induced attendees to commit funds during the conferences themselves. Subsequently, the victims apparently encountered persistent and unexplained difficulties in establishing contact with the so-called representative. Further investigative verification revealed that purported bookings at investment-linked resorts could not be confirmed, while all known communication channels associated with the suspect were ostensibly disabled or abandoned.”

Mhlakuvana said a person of interest, Mseleku, was last seen at Pongola in KwaZulu Natal.

“Despite exhaustive investigations, analytical, and tracing measures, the individual has not yet been located. The DPCI has significantly escalated its operational response, including intensified tracing strategies, financial flow analysis, monitoring of potential movement patterns and coordination with interprovincial law-enforcement structures and private-sector stakeholders. Notwithstanding these concerted efforts, the person of interest remains at large.”

Anyone with information about Mseleku’s whereabouts can anonymously contact investigating officers, Zane Johnson on 082 941 8588 or Captain Gideon Smith on 072 580 2538, or alternatively to the nearest police station.

Cape Times