Member of the Mayoral Committee for Housing in the City of Joburg, Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso, welcomes the arrest of three men linked to fraudulent use of his name regarding the Housing Department.

The three alleged perpetrators are accused of creating fake social media accounts in MMC Mabaso’s name to solicit money from unsuspecting people in need of houses by promising to give them RDP houses in exchange for cash.

The three suspects were arrested in Limpopo where they were found in possession of the fake posters with MMC Mabaso’s face. The suspects registered a fraudulent cell phone number that was used to extort money from unsuspecting citizens.

The main suspect was arrested over the weekend, a week after police nabbed his two accomplices. They are expected to appear in the Hillbrow Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Tuesday 22 February to apply for bail.

MMC Mabaso opened a case against these men in July last year after becoming aware of the use of his official details in this scam. Cllr Mabaso says: “The arrests are a breakthrough in the fight against fraud and corruption and they send a strong message to those who are defrauding people that they will feel the full might of the law.’’

He reiterated that government houses are not for sale. “If you have applied for a house, there is an allocation process to be followed and I urge residents to be patient until it is their turn”, he added. Members of the public are urged to report to the police any person or official who demands money in exchange for a house.

ENDS.

For all media enquiries contact:
Thabile Mbhele
Deputy Director: Communications and Stakeholder Manager
Office of the MMC for Housing

083 463 2689
Or
Neo Goba
Deputy Director: Communications
City of Joburg Housing Department
083 632 4483

22/02/22