JOHANNESBURG - The Hawks have strengthened their case against alleged Soweto sextortion kingpin Ifeel Simango, adding a string of new charges as their investigation continues.
Simango now faces additional charges of murder, money laundering, fraud, and the possession and distribution of child pornography.
He appeared in the Protea Glen magistrate’s court on Thursday following his arrest on 15 July.
Simango made his first court appearance on 30 July 2026, where the matter was postponed and he was remanded in custody pending the formal bail application.
Investigators say a three-year probe has uncovered at least 52 victims linked to the accused across several countries.
The matter was postponed in court and is expected to return on 9 September.
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Hawks' spokesperson Katlego Mogale said the new charges were added as investigators continue to build their case.
She said authorities are working against the clock to trace all identified victims and determine whether they will testify in South Africa or from their respective countries.
Police investigations stem from the tragic death of a minor male victim who was manipulated into sending explicit images of himself via WhatsApp to an individual using a fraudulent online profile.
Immediately after receiving the images, the Simango allegedly demanded large sums of money from the victim, threatening to distribute the explicit content on social media if payment was not made.
Despite the victim transferring a total of R232,919.38 into a PayPal account allegedly linked to the accused, he allegedly ignored the victim’s distress and explicit expressions of suicidal ideation and proceeded to publish the compromising images on Instagram.
The victim subsequently died by suicide, leaving behind a note detailing the ordeal.