A WOMAN who received a free house in an Illovo township’s development for people who lost their homes during the 2022 floods has been found to have benefited fraudulently.

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On June 1, eThekwini Municipality clarified the matter after social media users incorrectly claimed the woman was a municipal employee. While she is employed, eThekwini confirmed that she works for a private company.

In a statement, eThekwini said the woman had described herself as unemployed when she applied for the house. The woman will not be named as she has not been charged or appeared in court.

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“As a person whose monthly income exceeds R3 500, the suspect does not qualify for a housing subsidy,” read the statement.

eThekwini distanced itself from the registration of beneficiaries, approvals and implementation for the Illovu Housing Project, saying it is the KZN Department of Human Settlements that was responsible for all processes.

“While the names of those accused of collaborating with the suspect have not been released, eThekwini would like to clarify that the City has not been involved in subsidy registration or approvals of potential beneficiaries,” it said.

The Illovu Housing Project benefited families who lost their homes in Bhekulwandle, Umgababa, and Lovu townships.

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