The East London Magistrates’ Court released Mahlubandile Nqoma (49) and Theophillus Mncedi Pato (49) on R1000-00 bail each on 23 June 2022. This is subsequent to their arrest on the very same day by the East London based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team for charges of fraud and theft.
Between 2016 and 2018, the duo is alleged to have purported itself as estate agents.
They allegedly showed and sold houses that were not on sale. The victims were asked to deposit monies into the bank accounts of the suspects and they did so but never got their houses.
The matter was reported to the Hawks and investigations were done which culminated in the arrest of the duo.
They made their short court appearance and they were released on bail.
The investigation revealed that the victims were prejudiced cash of more than R800 000-00.
The matter was remanded to 8 July 2022 for legal representation.
