WELKOM – The Free State Provincial Commercial Cyber Crime Unit is seeking assistance from the public to locate a 33-year-old man who may have information about an alleged R160 000 property fraud case in Welkom.

France Ntlanganiso Futhwa has been identified as a person of interest in the investigation, police said in a statement issued on Sunday 18 October.

Buyer allegedly misled in property sale

According to police, the alleged fraud dates back to 25 September 2025, when a 40-year-old woman entered into an agreement to purchase a property for R160 000 through an estate agent.

The woman reportedly transferred the full purchase price into the seller’s bank account after he claimed to be the sole beneficiary of his late mother’s estate.

She subsequently moved into the property and began renovations.

However, the situation changed when other family members approached her and allegedly informed her that the property was the family home and that their sibling was not authorised to sell it.

A case of fraud was registered in Welkom for further investigation.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the property sale was allegedly conducted through misrepresentation.

Police appeal for information

Police have identified Futhwa, whose photograph has been released, as a person who may be able to provide information that could assist investigators.

Anyone who knows his whereabouts or has information relevant to the investigation is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Samuel Seloana of the Provincial Commercial Cyber Crime Unit on 073 925 4882.

Information can also be reported to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submitted anonymously through the MySAPS application.

Police are appealing to the public to assist with the investigation.

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