SAPS issues warning about Facebook scam targeting women
SAPS warns about a fake Facebook account under the name Jeff Rals, allegedly used to lure women and leading to the kidnapping.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned Facebook users about a fake account operating under the name Jeff Rals, which targets young women by luring them under false pretences.
Police issued the warning after a man allegedly kidnapped and repeatedly raped a woman he had deceived through the online scam.
On Monday, 19 May 2025, a vigilant member of the public alerted police after his female friend went missing.
He informed officers that a man she had met on 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.