The Hawks have arrested a 57-year-old man at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg in connection with the alleged fraudulent sale of properties belonging to the City of Johannesburg. The properties are managed by the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC).
According to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, the arrest follows an investigation into property transactions dating back to 2010. Several JPC-owned properties were allegedly sold unlawfully, and although ownership was transferred and some properties were resold, the JPC reportedly never received payment. This resulted in significant financial losses for the company.
The matter was initially reported at Sandton and Boschkop police stations before being referred to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit for further investigation.
The suspect faces charges of fraud, theft, forgery, uttering, and violations of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act. He was expected to appear in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria on Thursday.
The arrest comes as the JPC seeks legal action in the Johannesburg High Court to reverse the transfer of 16 properties allegedly transferred illegally to private individuals and businesses.
Last month, Sowetan reported that some of the transactions involved forged signatures, including that of a deceased JPC employee, highlighting the alleged fraudulent methods used in the property transfers.
