One missed call from losing R834,000: Inside a Western Cape lotto near-miss
Western Cape woman claims Lotto prize on final day
A Western Cape Lotto winner has narrowly avoided forfeiting an R834,000 prize after claiming her winnings on the very last day of eligibility, having ignored more than 30 phone calls she believed were spam. The dramatic eleventh-hour claim has drawn widespread attention, highlighting both the persistence of South Africa’s National Lottery operator and the growing public distrust of unknown phone calls.
The woman claimed her prize on February 5, 2026, exactly 12 months after purchasing the winning ticket, just hours before it would have expired and been forfeited to the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.
Winning Ticket Bought via Banking App
According to Ithuba, the official operator of South Africa’s National Lottery, the winning ticket was purchased on February 5, 2025, through the Absa banking app. The winner used the quick-pick selection method and placed a R600 wager for Lotto Plus 2 Draw 2513.
Under National Lottery rules, players have 365 days from the draw date to claim any prize. Once that window closes, unclaimed winnings are redirected to the Trust Fund to support charitable and developmental projects across the country.
Ignoring ‘Spam’ Calls Nearly Cost Her R834,000
On the day the ticket was due to expire, the winner had already endured an emotionally taxing morning after attending a funeral. Throughout the day, her phone rang repeatedly, logging over 30 missed calls from an unfamiliar number.
Like many South Africans, she had developed a habit of ignoring unknown callers, assuming they were automated messages, scams, or robocalls. That everyday precaution nearly cost her a life-changing sum.
“I’ve become used to ignoring calls I don’t recognise,” she explained. “So many of them turn out to be scams.”
Ithuba’s Persistence Pays Off
With the deadline looming, Ithuba officials intensified efforts to reach the winner, determined to ensure the prize was claimed. Eventually, one call was answered.
On the line was an Ithuba representative urgently informing her that her Lotto ticket was expiring that very day and that she needed to report immediately to an Ithuba office to claim her winnings.
Skepticism set in instantly. The winner initially believed the call itself might be a scam, a concern even echoed by her husband. Only after verifying the details did the gravity of the moment become clear.
From Funeral to Fortune in One Day
The emotional contrast of the day was not lost on the winner.
“I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I had gone from attending a funeral to claiming over R800,000 on the very same day. It was overwhelming and completely unexpected.”
She also recalled feeling an unusual sense of calm shortly after taking communion at the funeral, a moment she now views as deeply symbolic.
Having retired approximately 18 months ago, the timing of the win felt especially meaningful, offering unexpected financial relief during a new phase of life.
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How the Winner Plans to Use the Money
Despite the dramatic circumstances, the winner says she plans to use the money responsibly. Her priorities include:
- Renovating her home
- Settling the remaining balance on her car loan
- Treating her husband, whom she credits as a constant source of support
Ithuba Calls It an ‘Extraordinary Winner Experience’
Ithuba CEO Charmaine Mabuza described the case as one of the most remarkable in the operator’s history.
“This is truly one of the most extraordinary winner stories we’ve experienced, and we have had many,” Mabuza said, reaffirming Ithuba’s commitment to ensuring all legitimate winners are reached before prizes expire.
A Cautionary Tale for Lottery Players
The incident serves as a powerful reminder for lottery participants to regularly check tickets, monitor banking-app notifications, and treat repeated contact from verified lottery operators with caution, but not dismissal.
In an age of digital noise and scam fatigue, one ignored call nearly cost a woman R834,000.
FAQ
Who is the Western Cape Lotto winner?
The winner is a woman from South Africa’s Western Cape who claimed an R834,000 Lotto prize on the final day before it expired.
How much did the Lotto winner win?
She won R834,000 from a Lotto Plus 2 draw.
Why did the Lotto winner almost lose her prize?
She ignored more than 30 calls from Ithuba, assuming they were spam or scam calls.
When was the winning Lotto ticket bought?
The ticket was purchased on February 5, 2025, via the Absa banking app.
How long do you have to claim Lotto winnings in South Africa?
Winners have 365 days from the draw date to claim their prize.
What happens if a Lotto prize is not claimed?
Unclaimed prizes are transferred to the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.
Is Ithuba allowed to call Lotto winners directly?
Yes. Ithuba may contact winners using verified contact details linked to banking apps or player profiles.
What will the winner do with the money?
She plans to renovate her home, clear her car loan, and treat her husband.
What lesson does this Lotto story highlight?
It highlights the importance of checking lottery entries and not automatically dismissing repeated calls from verified sources.