Scammers Target Grieving Fans After Maskandi Star Scebi Dlamini's Death
- Fraudsters are circulating fake posters with false bank details, pretending to represent the families of Scebi Dlamini and Gupta Mchunu
- Scebi's brother Nduduzo Dlamini has warned the public to use only the official accounts shared by the two families
- Ukhozi FM confirmed it is not collecting funds for the funerals after scammers began impersonating station personnel
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Source: Facebook
Criminals are exploiting the grief surrounding the deaths of maskandi artist Scebi 'Inkos'yamagcokama' Dlamini and his dancer Gupta Mchunu, using fake social media posters to solicit donations from unsuspecting South Africans.
Scebi, aged 29, and Gupta were killed in a devastating car crash in Richards Bay, northern KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday, 9 August. The tragedy sent shockwaves through the maskandi community and prompted an outpouring of condolences and offers of financial support from fans across the country.
Fake bank details spread on social media
Scebi's brother, Nduduzo Dlamini, revealed that the family had not initially sought donations from the public. However, given the overwhelming response from people whose lives the two entertainers had touched, the families decided to accept contributions.
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That goodwill is now being exploited. Scammers have been spreading fraudulent posters on social media carrying bank account numbers that have no connection to either family, causing additional heartbreak during an already painful time. Nduduzo urged the public to donate only through accounts that have been officially confirmed by the families.
Those wishing to support Gupta's family can deposit into Standard Bank account number 10249274114. Scebi's family is accepting donations through Capitec account number 1546282171.
Source: Facebook
Ukhozi FM issues public warning
The fraudulent activity has also drawn in Ukhozi FM. Presenter Mroza Buthelezi alerted listeners after scammers began falsely claiming to represent the station's business manager, Lwazi Mthabela. A separate individual using the name Thando was also reportedly soliciting donations under the guise of Ukhozi FM. The station was unequivocal: Ukhozi FM is not raising money for either funeral.
Authorities and the families are urging members of the public to report any suspicious fundraising activity to the police and to verify all donation requests before transferring money.
Meanwhile, funeral arrangements are moving forward. Because Scebi and Gupta shared a close professional bond, the two families have been coordinating their plans together. Both bodies were transported from Empangeni mortuary to a facility closer to Msinga on Tuesday. Gupta is set to be buried on Friday, while Scebi's funeral will follow on Saturday, with a service planned at Fabeni Stadium in Msinga.
According to Daily Sun, the families say the scammers are compounding an already devastating period of mourning, and they are appealing to South Africans to stay vigilant.
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Source: Briefly News
