The Middelburg-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team yesterday delivered summonses to three accused, who have already been arrested and released on bail for alleged RDP house fraud.

According to the Mpumalanga Hawks, the accused are Annica van Staden (48), estate agent Helga Kruger (51), and Fofo Boy Makua (55).

The summonses come after new complaints were received by the Hawks regarding victims who were evicted from their houses.

The Hawks said that Annica van Staden was summoned to appear before the Middelburg Regional Court today.

The court appearance follows after the complainant, Samson Makhuwana Shilwane, reported that Van Staden sold his house without his consent.

The complainant allegedly said he was in the process of getting divorced during the sale of his house. He said it came to his attention when Smangele Nhlabathi, who purchased the house, came to evict him from the premises.

Nhlabathi reportedly presented purchasing documents for R280 000, with a forged signature. The matter was then reported to the Hawks.

Helga Kruger allegedly sold a house, 2194 X8 in eMbalenhle, to Wiston Maluleka, who deposited R200 000 into her bank account and didn’t hear from her until the case was opened. She appeared before the court on Friday.

It is alleged that on August 10, 2014, an amount of R150 000 was deposited into Makua’s company bank account, for the purchase of an RDP house, bought by Frieda Masemola. Makua is reportedly the sole director of Fofo Security Services.

Masemola alleged that the house in Mhluzi was never transferred into her name and she has never occupied the house. She noticed that the house was re-advertised for sale in the local newspaper.

She sought legal assistance and found out that the house belonged to Lukhele Trust and that she was being defrauded. The complainant reported the matter to the police and the case was transferred to the Hawks for further investigation.

It is also alleged that on June 24, 2014, Kruger advertised RDP houses at Tokologo Section in Middelburg, on behalf of Housing First Property.

The offer to purchase indicates that Housing First is the seller of the properties, and they were registered in Van Staden’s name.

She allegedly sold the property to the complainant for R100 000 and requested the buyer to transfer the money into Fofo Security Services’ business account.

Provincial head of the Hawks Major General Gerber urges the public who have been defrauded to come forward.

The investigating officer, Warrant Officer Bapela, can be contacted on 072 257 7403.