On Monday, February 21 three suspects were arrested in connection with housing fraud in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ).
Councillor Mlungisi Mabaso, CoJ Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Housing, welcomed the arrest of the three men. The alleged perpetrators are accused of creating fake social media accounts in Mabaso’s name to solicit money from unsuspecting community members in need of houses by promising to give them RDP houses in exchange for cash.
The three suspects were arrested in Limpopo after they were found in possession of fake posters with Mabaso’s face.
They registered a fraudulent cell phone number that was used to extort money from unsuspecting citizens.
The main suspect was arrested over the weekend, a week after police had caught his two accomplices.
All suspects appeared in the Hillbrow Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday February 22 to apply for bail.
Mabaso opened a case against the perpetrators in July last year after becoming aware that his official details were being used.
“The arrests are a breakthrough in the fight against fraud and corruption, and they send a strong message to those who are defrauding people that they will feel the full might of the law,” said Mabaso.
He reiterated that government houses were not for sale. “If you have applied for a house, there is an allocation process to be followed and I urge residents to be patient until it is their turn,” he added.
Community members are urged to report any person or official to the police who demands money in exchange for a house.
