Doctor loses millions in intricate web of deceit

1 min read
fraud deception

Dr. Mmerika Ntshani, also known as Dr. Pashy, recently shared a harrowing experience where she lost millions of rand due to an intricate web of lies and manipulation. In this article, we will explore the details of the deceitful tactics used against her and the ongoing investigation to recover the stolen funds.

The Deception

Dr. Pashy was allegedly swindled out of millions by Thabo Bester, a convicted rapist and murderer, and Dr. Nandipha Magudumana, a former celebrity doctor. Bester, posing as a South African businessman based in the US with ties to American media mogul Oprah Winfrey, convinced Dr. Pashy to invest in a project related to Winfrey’s visit to South Africa for the Global Citizens event. Magudumana introduced Bester as one of his many aliases, TK Nkwana.

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Other Victims

Dr. Pashy was not the only victim of Bester and Magudumana’s deceitful tactics. Other doctors also fell prey to their schemes. While the exact amount stolen remains undisclosed due to ongoing investigations, Dr. Pashy reveals that it is in the millions. She is currently working with lawyers to file criminal and civil cases to recover the stolen funds.

Bizarre Twist

In a bizarre twist, two of Dr. Pashy’s passports were found in Magudumana’s possession when she and Bester were arrested in Tanzania in April. Dr. Pashy threatened Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi with a lawsuit for defamatory statements and demanded a public apology. Motsoaledi initially claimed that Dr. Pashy had given contradictory statements about how she lost her passport, but he later apologized and retracted his statements.

Arrests and Escape

In connection with Thabo Bester’s escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2022, the South African Police Service (SAPS) made a ninth arrest. The 31-year-old suspect was apprehended in Johannesburg and is facing charges of assisting an inmate to escape from lawful custody. The police expect more arrests in this case. Eight people, including the ninth suspect, have been arrested for allegedly aiding Bester’s escape.

Cautionary Tale

This shocking tale of betrayal and fraud serves as a cautionary reminder of the lengths some will go to deceive and exploit others for personal gain. In today’s complex world, it is essential to remain vigilant and discerning in the face of potential scams and manipulations.

Aiden Abrahams is a Cape Town-based journalist who chronicles the city’s shifting political landscape for the Weekend Argus and Daily Maverick. Whether tracking parliamentary debates or tracing the legacy of District Six through his family’s own displacement, he roots every story in the voices that braid the Peninsula’s many cultures. Off deadline you’ll find him pacing the Sea Point promenade, debating Kaapse klopse rhythms with anyone who’ll listen.

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