A new platinum scam has been uncovered in Manzini City Centre, Eswatini, with investigations revealing that men are approaching members of the public and promising them platinum deals that can make them substantial amounts of money. The scammers operate around the city centre, identifying potential victims and engaging them in conversations about platinum. They claim to have connections in the mining sector and access to platinum.
The men behind the scam present themselves as successful businesspeople, with some driving flashy cars to create an impression of wealth. They are convincing and can make the proposed transactions appear genuine, making it difficult for unsuspecting people to realise that the deal may not be legitimate. Some of the men speak with a Zulu accent and claim to be South African nationals with connections in the mining sector.
According to sources, the scammers tell potential victims that they can make money from the platinum, with details of the amounts demanded varying. The approach involves convincing people that they are being offered a lucrative transaction involving the precious metal. Investigations have found that the alleged platinum scam comes after previous reports of people losing substantial amounts of money in similar transactions involving platinum and other precious stones.
A 40-year-old woman, Nkonto Dlamini of Lobamba, recently lost E18 000 and a Samsung Galaxy cellphone valued at E10 000 after being promised platinum by two unknown men. The incident occurred in Manzini City Centre, and the matter was reported to the police as theft by false pretences. In May, a man from Siphocosini lost E150 000 after being approached by people in Manzini and promised raw platinum.
The latest investigation indicates that the platinum promise continues to be used when approaching potential victims. This is not the first case of alleged fraud through the sale of precious stones in Eswatini. In December 2025, a suspected member of a syndicate was arrested and faced 22 charges of theft by false pretences and a charge under the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Prevention) Act.
The alleged suspects in the previous case used different approaches to gain the confidence of potential victims, including false tenders, washa washa, and the sale of precious stones. The reported cases showed that precious stones could be used as part of an alleged fraud scheme, with victims being promised substantial financial returns. The latest investigation points to platinum being used in a similar manner.
The identities of the men involved in the new platinum scam have not been established, and their claims about having connections within South Africa's mining sector could not be independently verified. The use of flashy vehicles and convincing stories makes it easier for unsuspecting people to believe the platinum story.
Key points
- A new platinum scam is targeting people in Manzini City Centre, Eswatini.
- The scammers claim to have connections in the mining sector and promise substantial financial gains.
- This is not the first case of alleged fraud through the sale of precious stones in Eswatini.
