The Anti-Fraud and Corruption Unit within the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements together with the provincial hawks have led to the arrest of two more suspects who are allegedly involved in the syndicate of illegally selling state owned land in Lenasia, South of Johannesburg. The two suspects, David Mofokeng affectionately known as “Lepolisa” and Thabo Moloi appeared at the Johannesburg Magistrate Court last week where they were released on bail of R5 000 each.
Their arrest follow an ongoing investigation in the rampant illegal sale of state owned land where unsuspecting individual were defrauded money that runs into millions. The department’s Anti-Fraud and Corruption Unit and the provincial hawks pounced on the two suspects as they were trying to sell state land in the area to the hawks investigators. The two suspects have been under police watch for a period of time before they were caught red-handed.
Gauteng Human Settlement MEC Jacob Mamabolo said the arrest of the two suspects is an indication that there are still criminal elements that are relentlessly continuing to mislead and ultimately land members of the public in trouble. “Few weeks ago I made a plea and urged the community to stop the illegal construction of houses and the selling of stands illegally. It looks like there are those who are hell bent on breaking the law,” said Mamabolo.
MEC has also urged those who are building houses on the land they bought illegally to stop the constructions. “This illegal construction must stop as we try to find an amicable solution to this thorny matter.” lamented MEC Mamabolo.
Another suspect is awaiting sentencing after being found guilty for selling land in Lenasia Extension 13. Sifiso Handsome Litau a former City of Joburg official resigned during the internal disciplinary hearing where three witnesses who bought land from him gave evidence. He will appear again in court on the 15th of August 2014.
More fraudsters have been found guilty and serving sentences ranging from three to six years in prison. Amongst those found guilty is Pastor Mandla Dlamini (76) who is serving a three year sentence. Married couple Mr. Muzwamandla and Elizabeth Poto who were both found guilty have been sentenced to 3 years correctional supervision on fraud charges. They were also given 12 months imprisonment for trespassing, suspended for 12 months.
The alleged Kingpin in the illegal sale of land Lenasia, Richard Zikhali is also awaiting another appearance at the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court facing 94 counts of fraud and money laundering.
For more information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
