Glencoe residents ask questions over Transnet housing rental collections
Tenants living in Transnet-owned houses in Glencoe are questioning who is legally authorised to collect rent and manage the properties after one tenant reportedly paid R3 000 a month to an “agent”. The concerns follow an incident in which an individual allegedly claimed to have permission from Transnet officials in Durban to arrange the rental of Transnet-owned houses. An attorney representing the tenant, who asked not to be named for professional reasons, said his client was approached by the individual, who claimed he had been authorised to arrange the rental. The attorney requested that the Transnet officials who allegedly granted the permission be identified and that proof of the authorisation be provided. He said this had not yet been done. The matter escalated when a person dressed in a police uniform allegedly arrived at the tenant’s home demanding rent. The tenant subsequently opened a fraud charge at Glencoe SAPS, believing he was being extorted. The charges against the accused were withdrawn in August. The attorney said the family had received no explanation for the withdrawal, despite his client having been subpoenaed as a witness. Transnet urges vigilance In response to questions from the Courier, Transnet’s media desk said it had not received any formal complaints or verified reports specifically relating to fraudulent sales, rentals or upfront-payment scams involving its Dundee or Glencoe properties. While its response did not address the reported fraud charge opened at Glencoe SAPS, Transnet urged residents to remain vigilant as it continues with the phased disposal of its residential properties. “Interested buyers should check Transnet’s official website for current listings and auction information,” the statement said. Transnet said six independent auctioneers had been appointed to facilitate the disposal of its non-core residential properties. Residents were urged to verify anyone claiming to represent Transnet through official auction notices and authorised channels. Transnet warned residents not to make payments or provide personal information to anyone claiming they could secure a property on their behalf. It also advised residents to be cautious of upfront deposits, payments into private bank accounts and offers significantly below market value. Anyone asked for money to secure a Transnet property should first verify the offer through official channels, the company said. Anyone who has already been asked for or paid money is advised to report the matter to SAPS and Transnet. Where to report suspicious activity Suspected housing scams can be reported to the Transnet Fraud Hotline at transnet@tip-off.com or 0800 003 056. The National Anti-Corruption Hotline can be contacted on 0800 701 701.
Tenants living in Transnet-owned houses in Glencoe are questioning who is legally authorised to collect rent and manage the properties after one tenant reportedly paid R3 000 a month to an “agent”.
The concerns follow an incident in which an individual allegedly claimed to have permission from Transnet officials in Durban to arrange the rental of Transnet-owned houses.
An attorney representing the tenant, who asked not to be named for professional reasons, said his client was approached by the individual, who claimed he had been authorised to arrange the rental.
The attorney requested that the Transnet officials who allegedly granted the permission be identified and that proof of the authorisation be provided. He said this had not yet been done.
The matter escalated when a person dressed in a police uniform allegedly arrived at the tenant’s home demanding rent. The tenant subsequently opened a fraud charge at Glencoe SAPS, believing he was being extorted.
The charges against the accused were withdrawn in August.
The attorney said the family had received no explanation for the withdrawal, despite his client having been subpoenaed as a witness.
Transnet urges vigilance
In response to questions from the Courier, Transnet’s media desk said it had not received any formal complaints or verified reports specifically relating to fraudulent sales, rentals or upfront-payment scams involving its Dundee or Glencoe properties.
While its response did not address the reported fraud charge opened at Glencoe SAPS, Transnet urged residents to remain vigilant as it continues with the phased disposal of its residential properties.
“Interested buyers should check Transnet’s official website for current listings and auction information,” the statement said.
Transnet said six independent auctioneers had been appointed to facilitate the disposal of its non-core residential properties.
Residents were urged to verify anyone claiming to represent Transnet through official auction notices and authorised channels.
Transnet warned residents not to make payments or provide personal information to anyone claiming they could secure a property on their behalf.
It also advised residents to be cautious of upfront deposits, payments into private bank accounts and offers significantly below market value.
Anyone asked for money to secure a Transnet property should first verify the offer through official channels, the company said.
Anyone who has already been asked for or paid money is advised to report the matter to SAPS and Transnet.
Where to report suspicious activity
Suspected housing scams can be reported to the Transnet Fraud Hotline at transnet@tip-off.com or 0800 003 056.
The National Anti-Corruption Hotline can be contacted on 0800 701 701.
