The suspect allegedly defrauded unsuspecting job seekers and people aspiring to acquire nursing qualifications.

A 54-year-old Nigerian woman who was declared wanted since 2017 in connection with cases of fraud and theft by false pretences has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The suspect allegedly defrauded unsuspecting job seekers and people aspiring to acquire nursing qualifications.

Police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, who confirmed the arrest in a statement on Monday, said the woman was nabbed on Saturday, March 11, 2023, after landing from Nigeria.

She appeared in the Louis Trichardt magistrate’s court on Monday, March 13.

Mojapelo said the woman allegedly ran bogus nursing colleges and fraudulently registered unsuspecting students under the pretext they were to acquire diplomas in nursing.

“The victims were also assured of employment upon completion of their studies,” said Mojapelo.

He said the woman’s alleged fraudulent dealings were unmasked when it was discovered that the colleges were not authentic.

“The students opened cases of fraud and theft under false pretences against the woman in Polokwane, Morebeng, Thohoyandou, Waterval and other places in Gauteng.”

“The suspect managed to evade arrest and had been on the run since 2017 after she fled to Nigeria,” he said.

Mojapelo said the breakthrough happened on Saturday when detectives from Makhado received information about the wanted suspect returning to South Africa from Nigeria and arriving at OR Tambo International Airport at midday.

“The members pounced on her soon after she arrived at the airport,” he said.

Mojapelo said police investigations are continuing.