A suspect is expected to appear in the Witbank Magistrates Court later today, on charges of fraud and corruption consequent to her arrest yesterday, by the Middelburg and Secunda Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit.

The unit set up a sting operation in relation to alleged illegal activities by the suspect, who cannot be identified until a formal court appearance.

It is reported that the suspect, who is employed as an information officer by the eMalahleni Local Municipality, is responsible for communicating with various stakeholders and government departments relating to housing issues.

Following the acquisition of mining rights by Seriti Mine, residents living around eMalahleni are to be relocated to Duvha where they will be built new residences.

The suspect, armed with this information, allegedly concocted a cunning plan to defraud unsuspecting beneficiaries.

Victims all allege that an amount of money was solicited from them, in order to be prioritized on the housing list by the official.

The suspect was arrested immediately after a similar transaction where an undercover agent was allegedly, allocated a house after payment.