Cape Town, Western Cape – A heartbroken mother of two is turning to the public for assistance after allegedly falling victim to an online scam that left her R15,000 lighter. Lerato Mthembu, 34, from Khayelitsha, shared her distressing ordeal on social media, urging others to stay vigilant in the growing wave of e-commerce fraud.
It started innocently enough. In March, Lerato scrolled through Facebook Marketplace searching for affordable school uniforms for her children ahead of the new term. She spotted a listing from “Cape Deals Online,” offering brand-new tracksuits at a steep discount – R500 each, half the retail price. The seller, using the profile name “Sipho Trading,” boasted glowing reviews and promised next-day delivery via courier.
“I was excited; the prices were too good to pass up,” Lerato recounted in an emotional video post that has garnered over 5,000 views. After chatting via WhatsApp, she transferred R15,000 for 30 items using her bank’s app. The seller sent a fake tracking number and receipt, assuring her the parcel was en route.
Days turned into weeks with no delivery. When Lerato demanded a refund, “Sipho” vanished, blocking her on all platforms. Desperate checks revealed the profile was fake, with stolen photos from legitimate stores. “My kids needed those uniforms, and now we’re struggling. This scammer stole our security,” she said, tears streaming.
South African Police Service (SAPS) reports a surge in online scams, with over 12,000 cases in 2025 alone, many via social media marketplaces. Consumer protection group Cape Consumer Watch warns buyers to verify sellers, use secure payments like PayFast, and avoid direct bank transfers.
Lerato has reported the incident to Khayelitsha SAPS and the Cyber Crimes Unit, providing chat logs and transaction details. She’s now appealing to the public: “If anyone recognizes ‘Sipho Trading’ or has similar experiences, please contact me or SAPS. Let’s expose these criminals together.”
Her story highlights the risks of online shopping in a digital age. As e-commerce booms in SA, experts urge caution: research sellers, meet in person if possible, and report suspicions immediately.