Ladysmith KZN: Mastermind behind housing scam appears in court
Money totalling approximately R18 million was stolen
A 48-year-old man and five co-accused are set to appear today (September 2) in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on charges related to selling houses that did not belong to them. The suspect (48-year-old) was traced in East London, where he was arrested and charged with fraud.
He was operating his fraudulent business in the Durban CBD, Point, Pietermaritzburg, Kokstad and other areas, where he had defrauded people since 2013. He was also wanted for other cases committed in Ladysmith, Richards Bay, Newcastle, Berea, Amanzimtoti and Scottburgh for the same offence.
It is alleged that the 48-year-old, who is said to be the mastermind behind the scam, would post an advert in newspapers that his company was building houses at a reduced fee. He would defraud the unsuspecting clients and disappear after a deposit was made.
Five females were assisting him in running the business around the province. He then moved to East London, where he continued his ‘dirty deeds’.
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Most of the companies he opened up were registered on the allegedly unsuspecting young women’s names, who would later become his girlfriends. Approximately R18 million in cash was stolen.
Police are appealing to other people who are victims of similar scams to contact the investigating officer, Captain Ngcobo, on 031 325 4105 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111
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