KLERKSDORP – The North West Police Commercial Crime Investigation Unit’s investigation into a fraudulent property auction scheme has led to the arrest of one suspect, Rebotile Ankie Mohlolo (32).
Captain Majang Skalkie, provincial spokesperson for the police, said that following the arrest on Tuesday, the accused appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court the same day.
The accused faces charges of fraud and contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. “Mohlolo was granted bail of R4 000, and the matter was postponed to 20 October whilst the investigation continues. Efforts are under way to trace and arrest the second suspect,” said Skalkie.
She said a complainant was swindled out of more than R200 000 in the bogus property auction.
How the scam unfolded
Skalkie said the investigation stems from an incident that occurred on 30 August 2018 and was reported on 2 November the same year. She said the victim responded to an advertisement for the auction of a house in Randlespark, Klerksdorp.
“After contacting the number provided in the advertisement, she was sent documentation to complete and was informed that the property could be purchased. She was allegedly instructed to pay a deposit of R23 000 and was issued with an invoice for the outstanding amount, including attorney’s fees, of more than R200 000. She paid as instructed,” she said.
Skalkie said the complainant became aware that she had been defrauded after she discovered that the offices of the law firm/estate agency that sent her the documentation did not exist and that the occupants of the premises had no knowledge of the company. She said the victim visited the premises after the ten-day stipulated period had elapsed to register the property in her name.
“The complainant was allegedly informed that the property would be registered in her name within approximately ten days. However, after the stipulated period had elapsed, she was unable to contact the individuals involved,” said Skalkie.
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