SIU Uncovers R58m Ekurhuleni Land Fraud

A massive R58-million land fraud scandal has been uncovered in Ekurhuleni, with more than 200 vacant municipal stands in Villa Liza allegedly transferred into private hands without the City’s approval.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says its investigation found that 208 of the 221 vacant stands examined were unlawfully transferred.
The properties, valued at more than R58-million, were allegedly sold for just R18,000 each, with the municipality receiving no revenue from the transactions.
According to the SIU, the transfers were facilitated using forged rates clearance certificates and powers of attorney, making the transactions appear legitimate.
The investigation also uncovered a striking detail: a deceased person was allegedly used as a fraudulent land agent in the scheme.
“We uncovered a deliberate scheme to defraud the municipality, 208 fraudulent transfers. One deceased person acted as the fraudulent land agent,” SIU head Leonard Lekgetho said.
The SIU says a private law firm allegedly played a key role in processing the illegal transfers.
However, investigators say they found no evidence that municipal officials participated in the scheme.
The City of Ekurhuleni says a criminal investigation involving the law firm is now under way.