Residents warned of RDP sales scam in Ekurhuleni

The Ekurhuleni Department of Human Settlements is warning the public to desist from buying RDP houses from people who are claiming to be representatives of the department.
It has come to the attention of the department that scammers are working as syndicates, which are misrepresenting the MMC for Human Settlements, Clr Lesiba Mpya.
The department has learned that there are fake advertisements that are doing the rounds under the pretence of being issued by the office of the MMC, who in turn makes arrangements to sell RDP houses.
Mpya distances himself from these illegal acts and urges the public to report such incidents to the police.
“We urge the public to continue reporting all housing fraud to the City’s Anti-Fraud and Corruption hotline on 0800 102 201,” said Mpya.
The department would also like to remind the public that:
• If one is offered an RDP house without the seller having the necessary documentation (title deed and permission), the suspects should be reported to their local human settlements department and the police.
• Someone wanting to sell their RDP home cannot do so in the first eight years of occupancy, after which it must be offered to the State first.
• The seller must have written consent from the human settlements department.
• Once a house is sold, a letter of authority from the deeds office must be attached to the sale agreement.
• There is no charge for title deeds.