On Thursday, 22 November 2018, police officers attached to the Provincial Task Team together with specialised Units from Pietermaritzburg and Durban, arrested an 85 year old suspect following investigations into the illegal sale of farmland in the Inanda area. The suspect and his associates were fingered in the investigation and are linked to 19 cases including theft, trespass, malicious damage to property, intimidation and fraud.
These investigations stem from cases registered by the owners of farms in the area during 2017 and 2018. The cases were handed over to the Provincial Task Team after it was brought to the attention of the Acting Provincial Commissioner that there was no progress with regards to the investigations into these cases.
Following a protracted investigation which included the involvement of the office of the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in KZN, a controlled operation was conducted and the suspect sold private land to police agents for R20,000.00.
His associates fled when they received news of his arrest at the Mzinyathi area in Inanda and police are currently looking for two more suspects.
The suspect is expected is expected to appear at the Ntuzuma Magistrates Court this morning facing charges of fraud and malicious damage to property. More charges may likely be added following his court appearance. We are appealing to the outstanding suspects to hand themselves over to investigators.
We are also appealing to those that bought land illegally in that area to come forward as soon as possible and co-operate with the investigating officers. Those who have information that is pertinent in this investigation are requested to contact the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Mlungwana on 082 6627 764.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
