SIU uncovers R58m Ekurhuleni land fraud

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says 208 of 221 municipal stands in Villa Liza, Ekurhuleni, were fraudulently transferred into private hands between 2018 and 2022 without approval from the municipal council.

The land was valued at about R58 million, but the municipality did not receive any proceeds from the transactions.

According to the SIU, a conveyancing firm allegedly facilitated the unlawful transfers using forged rates clearance certificates and powers of attorney.

The investigation found that 73 of the stands were acquired by the conveyancer and associates before being resold for an average of about R250,000 each.

The SIU has referred the matter to the National Prosecuting Authority, resulting in 208 fraud referrals. Additional referrals have been made to the Legal Practice Council, South African Revenue Service and Financial Intelligence Centre.

The SIU says it will approach the Special Tribunal to have the unlawful land transfers set aside and to recover losses suffered by the municipality.

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