A businesswoman from Douala’s Bakoko neighbourhood fell victim to a robbery, losing 300,000 francs to two men who were impersonating representatives of a reputable company.
The victim, an expert in provision supplies, shared the distressing experience. “I am in deep pain and stress because I was robbed yesterday (Wednesday, 11th September 2024) by two men who came with a business proposal that seemed real,” she said. The individuals asserted that they were staff members of the Mayor Company, indicating that their bonuses were being allocated in the form of oil.
“They took me in their car from my business place to go and sign and collect the oil at the company,” she explained. The deception appeared credible, as they even escorted her to the company’s entrance. Upon arrival, the men took her bag, which held a significant amount of money, and quickly left the scene.
“The worst part of it is that this money is not mine. I don’t know how I’m going to raise this money to give to the owner,” she lamented.
The businesswoman is currently seeking assistance from the public to identify the perpetrators. “Please, I want this to go viral so that the culprits can be caught and brought to book,” she urged. She has shared an image of the car along with a photo of one of the men connected to the robbery, in the hopes that someone may identify them and aid in their apprehension.
This is just one of the many incidents of theft prevalent in Douala, especially for small business owners who frequently fall victim to these fraudulent schemes. The local authorities have been informed, but it is not clear if any effort is being made to apprehend the thieves.
The business community is coming together to support the victim, encouraging others to stay alert against similar scams. “It is imperative that we unite and guarantee that these offenders face justice,” a fellow business owner told MMI.
The victim holds onto hope that something will be done by the public to help in swiftly apprehending the robbers. “I simply seek justice,” she stated.
In a recent update, another victim has come forward, recognising one of the men from the initial report. “Please am contacting you with regards to a post you made an hour ago about two guys who scammed a lady. I recognise the guy so well; my mom’s his victim too,” the new informant shared.
The informant detailed a similar scam involving her mother, who was searching for a house to rent in Bonaberi, Douala. “This guy showed up as a middleman, claiming he knows a landlord who has apartments for rent. He convinced my mom into giving him 1.4 million francs for yearly rent so he could pay the landlord. And ever since then, he disappeared. Till date, we haven’t seen nor heard anything from him till I saw him on your platform,” she said.
Mimi Mefo Info – businesswoman in Douala robbed
