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| The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual couple. |
Botha’s Hill, KZN – A wedding venue scam has left multiple couples from KwaZulu-Natal and beyond in financial distress after being duped by a woman posing as the owner of a high-demand wedding venue in the area.
Couple’s Ordeal
A couple from Ethekwini, aged 33 and 34, approached Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) in December 2024, reporting that they had fallen victim to the scam. The pair had booked the venue for their March 2025 wedding, paying R20,000 via EFT to secure the premises for 250 guests.
However, when they attempted to view the property, the woman became evasive, offering multiple excuses. Alarm bells rang when they discovered through social media that at least ten other couples across South Africa had been scammed in a similar manner.
Details of the Scam
The woman had allegedly used images of a venue she did not own to advertise her services. She pressured victims into paying the full amount upfront, claiming the venue was almost fully booked for 2024 and 2025. Once payments were made, the scammer blocked her victims on all communication platforms, leaving them with no recourse.
The victims provided RUSA officers with evidence, including proof of payment, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger chats, and email correspondence. A WhatsApp group has since been formed by the victims to coordinate efforts to file criminal charges.
Heartbreak and Recovery
After failing to recover their money, the couple downsized their plans and held a smaller wedding on December 28, 2024, at a venue in Pietermaritzburg, KZN.
Ongoing Investigation
Victims have called for the scammer to face justice and are working together to compile evidence for criminal cases. Reaction Officers have urged others who may have been targeted by similar scams to come forward and report the incidents.
Warning to the Public
Authorities have issued a caution to couples planning weddings to verify venue ownership and credentials before making payments. It is advised to visit venues in person or conduct thorough research to avoid falling prey to such scams.
For more information or to report similar incidents, contact RUSA or your local law enforcement agency.
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