A 48-year-old man and his five co-accused appeared today before the Durban Magistrates’ Court for fraud charges that are related to selling houses fraudulently, that did not belong to them. The suspect was traced to East London where he was arrested for fraud charges.
It is alleged that the suspect who is the mastermind behind the scam would post an advert in newspapers that his company was building houses at a reduced fee. He would defraud the unsuspecting clients and disappear after a deposit was made.
He was operating his fraudulent business at Durban CBD, Point, Pietermaritzburg, Kokstad, and other areas where he had defrauded people since 2013. The five females were assisting him in running the business around the province. He moved to East London where he continued his dirty deeds.
He was also wanted for other cases committed in Ladysmith, Richards Bay, Newcastle, Berea, Amanzimtoti, and Scottburgh for the same offense. The cash that was stolen is approximately R18 million.
We are also appealing to other people who are victims of a similar scam to contact the investigating officer Captain Ngcobo on 031 325 4105 or Crime Stop 08600 10111 or by using the MySAPS app.