Linah Maphopha, who ran a housing scam in the Ivory Park area was yesterday granted bail of R1, 000 by the Rabasotho Magistrate's Court in Tembisa. Maphopa was arrested on Tuesday , 04 June 2019, after she illegally sold a RDP house for R81, 000.
She was charged with fraud and corruption and is expected to appear again in court on the 8th July 2019.
Maphopha is a former volunteer who was working for the City's department of housing stationed at Lord Khanyile Community Centre in Ivory Park.
In May 2018 the City's Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS) department received a complaint from a resident of Ivory Park alleging that she bought a RDP house from a certain City of Johannesburg volunteer stationed at Lord Khanyile Community Centre.
She alleged that the suspect wanted a deposit of R40, 000 and balance of R40, 000 was going to be paid at a later stage. The complainant was showed a certain RDP which the suspect claimed that it was belonging to a foreign national and the City was taking it away from the occupant.
The complainant then agreed to the sale of the RDP house for a total of R81, 000. The amount was then paid to the suspect's bank account in February 2017.
When the complainant realized that she was scammed she then reported the matter to GFIS and the Police. The suspect was then arrested following investigations into the matter.
I have learned with shock that this is not the first time that the suspect is arrested for the same offence. The suspect was also arrested last for illegally selling two RDP houses for R150 000.
I am worried about increasing number of such arrests but also happy that we as the City are doing something about it to bring this to an end.
I'm appealing to anyone who might have information on the illegal sale of stands and RDP house to please come forward. The information will assist our law enforcement agencies as they continue to investigate these cases throughout the City.
Corruption has no place in this administration and we will work tirelessly, and in collaboration with institutions such as the Hawks, Saps and all other institutions within the criminal justice system to ensure that the residents of Johannesburg receive the quality services they deserve.
I would also like to encourage people to report any fraud and corruption activities through our 24hour tipoff hotline 0800 002 587.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Joburg
For any further queries, please contact:
Lucky Sindane
Director: Strategic Stakeholder Management
Group Forensic and Investigation Services
