Bogus estate agent nabbed by Durban police

A MAN who was wanted for a case of fraud was arrested in Windermere on 26 October. 

This comes after the eThekwini District Task Team followed up information about the suspect who allegedly posed as an estate agent. 

“It is alleged that the suspect would post houses for sale from Umlazi and the greater Durban area on social media. The investigation revealed that the suspect would make the unsuspecting and desperate clients sign an offer to purchase agreement on houses by showing them pictures. The price of the house that was about to be fraudulently sold to different people without the owner’s knowledge was R220 000,” said Captain Nqobile Gwala from provincial SAPS.

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She said the 47-year-old man was arrested on 26 October at his rented office in Windermere.

His laptop, cellphone and fraudulent documents were seized by police. 

“The suspect was positively linked to a case of fraud where the complainant saw an advert for a house on sale in Umlazi via social media. It appeared that the house the suspect was selling belongs to somebody else and it was placed on sale without the owner’s consent,” she said.

The suspect will appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court today (28 October).

Gwala said police are cautioning the community not to fall prey to such housing scams.

“The community is advised to verify the identity of estate agents and to conduct more research on the homes offered for sale before they sign any documents,” she said.  

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