Illegal land sellers arrested for duping buyers

Two illegal land sellers Simphwe Mpho Buthelezi (35) and Ntokozo Jerry Sithole (23), were arrested this week following a lengthy investigation into their shenanigans.

ILLEGAL LAND SELLERS APPEAR IN COURT FOR FRAUD

The duo appeared in the Vosloorus Boksburg Magistrate’s Court today, 9 September 2022 for their alleged role in a corrupt syndicate duping unsuspecting land buyers in Ekurhuleni.

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Police spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha said the pair has been charged with fraud and corruption following their arrest on Wednesday, 7 September by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team.

HUGE AMOUNTS PAID TO THE FRAUDSTERS

“This follows a complaint that on 16 May this year, a victim who was looking to buy a vacant land in Villa Liza was approached by the arrested pair. Following discussions, she was convinced to deposit R80 000 into an FNB account under the impression that it was for registration of the stand and associated costs,” he explained.

“Following the payment, the victim made enquiries but these were in vain.”

Ramovha

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The Hawks were enlisted to probe the matter, which resulted in the arrest of the alleged illegal land sellers following an undercover operation where an additional R10 000 was paid to the syndicate in the guise of speeding up the process.

BOGUS REALTORS GRANTED BAIL AFTER ARREST

Ramovha said the court has postponed the case to 14 October 2022, pending further investigation, whilst the pair were granted R3000 bail each.

“The investigator in the case has appealed to the public who might have fallen victims to the scam to come forward. Captain Simulani Maanda can be contacted on 071 351 7388,” he urged.

As the fraudulent sale of land has become more prevalent in the country, there ways to protect yourself from potential scammers or illegal sellers.

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Land Sellers Network provided tips on how to protect yourself or vat these sellers.

Here are the tips:

• Research the name of a seller and check their photo ID
• Never give into pressure to sign anything. 
• Avoid sellers who ask for money upfront and don’t make payments to anyone you haven’t met in person. 
• Don’t purchase property sight-unseen – an “unbelievable” deal may be just that. 
• Check the count records of a property to verify ownership identity.