The South African Police Service (SAPS) warns Facebook users about a fake account using the name Jeff Rals to lure young women under false pretences.
The police issued the alert after a man alleged kidnapped and repeatedly raped a woman he misled through the online scam.
On Monday, 19 May 2025, a vigilant member of the public alerted police after his female friend disappeared.
He told officers that a man she met through Facebook had lured her with promises of a job in Limpopo.
Swift Police Response Leads to Arrest
Acting swiftly, the Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, mobilised a search team.
Within five hours, the team located the victim and the suspect at a petrol station in Giyani, Limpopo.
The suspect had run out of fuel and was unable to pay for petrol, which led to the successful intervention.
According to the victim, the suspect used a fake Facebook identity and photo under the name Jeff Rals.
When the victim met him in Pretoria and noticed he looked different from his profile, he claimed to be Jeff Rals’ brother, sent to fetch her.
He then drove her to Limpopo, where he allegedly raped and extorted her repeatedly.
Suspect in Custody
Police confirmed that the suspect remains in custody and faces charges of rape and kidnapping.
Support teams are helping the victim and reuniting her with her family.
Public caution urged over Facebook dating scams
SAPS has urged members of the public, especially those using online dating platforms, to exercise extreme caution.
Scammers often build false trust and then lure victims into dangerous situations, sometimes leading to kidnapping or assault.
Police encourage anyone who believes the fake account targeted or victimised them to report it at the nearest station.
Officers Commended for Rapid Response
Lieutenant General Hadebe praised the rapid and coordinated efforts of the Mopani District Tracking Team, Lulekani detectives, Giyani POP, Crime Intelligence, and Visible Policing Units, all of whom played a key role in rescuing the victim.
Have you or someone you know ever received suspicious messages on social media promising jobs or relationships?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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