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419 scammers target Zuma
10/07/2006 22:58 - (SA)
Katrien Smit, Beeld
Johannesburg - The name of former deputy president Jacob Zuma is being used in a 419 fraud scam involving more than R64m.
An e-mail, signed by Gertrude Zuma, or Sizakele Zuma, has possibly been circulating in South Africa and overseas for the past six months. The name of Zuma's first wife, to whome he's still married, is Sizakele Gertrude Zuma.
The recipient of the e-mail is asked to be a "front" for money that allegedly is Zuma's property, but which he can't use because "my husband's finances are being investigated by his opponents", according to the e-mail.
The e-mail goes on to say the Zumas don't know anymore who are friends or who they can trust and because they don't have "a livelihood", the recipient will be "richly rewarded" for assisting them.
Beeld reacted to the e-mail - which is being sent from various addresses, among them Hotmail and Yahoo. Finance department
A reply from "Gertrude Zuma" starts with "dear friend" and explains that she and her husband are going through "the worst times" of their lives, because his political opponents don't want him to become the next president.
According to the e-mail Zuma wants to transfer $9m (about R64m), "which is being kept by the department of finance as unclaimed funds", from South Africa to another country and owner.
The person who helps, the e-mail goes on to say, will be rewarded with half the amount.
The e-mail ends: "I hope I can rely on your support. "If you are unwilling or if you are unable to do this, please don't betray the trust placed in you."
Jacob Zuma has not responded to queries about the e-mail.
- Beeld
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