A former prominent broadcaster who was found guilty of defrauding a property buyer, will know his fate when reappearing in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on 3 July. The accused, Sabata Israel Papane (60), was convicted of fraud on Friday (09/06).
Papane’s conviction is the culmination of an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit, based in Bloemfontein. The investigation revealed that Papane was posing as an estate agent while not registered with the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB), which regulates the estate agency sector.
WO Fikiswa Matoti, Free State spokesperson of the Hawks, said the court found Papane guilty on charges of fraud, money laundering, and contravention of the Estate Agency Affairs Act 112 of 1976.
The fraud case emanates from Papane’s failure to refund R100 000 to a property buyer.
“During 2016, the accused was approached by the complainant after the latter developed an interest in purchasing a house she saw advertised. She contacted the accused to make an offer to purchase.
“She met him at the office he said belonged to him, posing as an estate agent. They both signed a contract drafted by the accused whereafter the complainant gave him an amount of R100 000.
“When it was time for the complainant to occupy the house, she discovered that the accused was not mandated by the lawful owner of the house to sell it,” said Matoti. She said Papane failed to refund the complainant the money paid towards purchasing the house.
The accused has been appearing in court since 2021 until his conviction last Friday. Following his conviction, he remains in custody. Papane, also known as Pretty boy, had a sterling career in the media, working for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). He worked for Lesedi FM in the current affairs segments and his spell spans from the 1990s to mid-2000s. Papane also had a bright career in professional boxing during the 1980s.
