Simphwe Mpho Buthelezi (35), Ntokozo Jerry Sithole (23), have appeared in the Vosloorus and Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on 9 September 2022 for their alleged role in a corrupt syndicate duping unsuspecting land buyers in Ekurhuleni.
The pair has been charged with fraud and corruption following their arrest on Wednesday, by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team.
This follows a complaint that on 16 May this year, a victim who was looking to buy a vacant land in Villa Liza was approached by the arrested pair. Following discussions, she was convinced to deposit R80 000 into an FNB account under the impression that it was for registration of the stand and associated costs.
Following the payment, the victim made enquiries but these were in vain.
The Hawks were enlisted to probe the matter, which resulted in the arrest of the alleged fraudsters following an undercover operation where an additional R10 000 was paid to the syndicate in the guise of speeding up the process.
The court has postponed the case to 14 October 2022, pending further investigation, whilst the pair were granted R3000 bail each.
The investigator in the case has appealed to the public who might have fallen victims to the scam to come forward. Captain Simulani Maanda on 071 351 7388.
