An intelligence led operation on illegal occupation of land belonging to Public Works and Infrastructure resulted in the arrest of five suspects aged between 38 and 62 on the farms behind the Airport, in East London.
The joint operation was carried out by Crime Intelligence Coastal, Commercial Crimes detectives, Public Works and Infrastructure Investigation Section and Asset Forfeiture unit of the Hawks, NIU and Visible Policing.
According to the information, this group of suspects were identified selling plots illegally to people. Reports suggest that the group was selling theses plots for R15 000-00 each up to 3 December 2020 and increased the selling fee to R20 000-00 per plot from January 2021. From 20 January 2021 to 27 January 2021 covert police observations and investigations ensued, which resulted in the arrest of the suspects on Wednesday, 27 January 2021.
During the operation an undisclosed amount of money was recovered including two vehicles believed to have been used by the suspects during the commission of the crimes. All the suspects will be charged for fraud and other charges may be added as the investigation progresses.
The suspects are currently in police detention for further investigation and are expected to appear before the East London Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 29 January 2021.
