In yet another joint sting between the Gauteng Department of Local Government and Housing and the South African Police Service (SAPS) Commercial Detectives Unit, a man was arrested for alleged fraudulent use of another person's ID to benefit from a government housing subsidy, yesterday.
The suspect was arrested at the department's head office in Johannesburg after an applicant, Ms Amelia Ngwenya's application for a Housing subsidy was rejected when she tried to apply for the housing subsidy. Ms Ngwenya was informed that she has already benefited from the government subsidy.
But when she informed the department that she has never owned an RDP house, then the department moved swiftly and started investigating the matter. It then emerged that the suspect applied with Ms Ngwenya's ID claiming to be her spouse. The suspect was applying for one of the upgraded flats in Johannesburg under the Individual Housing Subsidy Scheme.
Upon further investigation it was discovered that Ms Ngwenya lost her ID in 1995 and it was re-issued to her in 1998. Ms Ngwenya also denied knowing or ever applying and signing a housing subsidy application form with the suspect.
It was during the interrogation of the suspect that the department and police ascertained inconsistency in his statement which also contained elements of fraud.
Ms Ngwenya opened a case of fraud and the suspect was arrested. MEC for Local Government and Housing Kgaogelo Lekgoro said the arrest should send a strong message to those who embark on illegal dealings, that the department's new system is tight and difficult to manipulate. "The fight against fraud and corruption has become one of our priorities and no favours will be given to any individual," said Lekgoro.
For more information, contact:
Fred Mokoko
Cell: 082 447 8407
Issued by: Department of Local Government and Housing, Gauteng Provincial Government
21 August 2009
Source: Department of Local Government and Housing, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.housing.gpg.gov.za)
