Residents warned of RDP sales scam in Ekurhuleni

The City of Ekurhuleni’s Human Settlements Department is warning the public to refrain from buying RDP houses from people who claim to be representatives of the department.

“It has come to our attention that scammers are working as a syndicate, which is misrepresenting the MMC for Human Settlements, Lesiba Mpya.

“The department has learned that there are fake advertisements that are doing the rounds under the pretense of being issued by the office of MMC, the MMC who in turn makes arrangements to sell RDP houses,” said spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.

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He said the City and Mpya distance themselves from these illegal acts and urge the public to report such incidents to the police.

Mpya has pleaded with the public to report the scammers if it happens they come across them.

“We urge the public to continue reporting all housing fraud to the City’s anti-fraud and corruption hotline on 0800 102 201.

“As the department, we would like to remind the public that if one is offered an RDP house without the seller having the necessary documentation (title deed and permission), the suspects should be reported to our department and the police,” said Mpya.

“If someone wants to sell their RDP home, they cannot do so in the first eight years of occupancy, after which it must be offered to the State first. The seller must have written consent from the department.

“Once a house is sold, a letter of authority from the deeds office must be attached to the sale agreement. People should also note that there is no charge for title deeds.”

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