Fraudsters Aim at Locals with Fake Property Offers in Soweto and Lenasia

Residents of Kapok and Mazibuko informal settlements in Protea South, Soweto (Ward 10), and Precast in Lenasia (Ward 8) have fallen victim to fraudsters charging exorbitant fees for stands at Roodepoort Farm near Koogans in Lenasia. These stands, which are supposed to be free, are part of a government initiative to relocate those affected by severe flooding in their current settlements.

On Friday, 29 November 2024, the City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Housing and Human Settlements, Councillor Mlungisi Mabaso, met with residents and Ward 10 Councillor Nokuthula Nofemela at the farm to discuss the planned relocation. The city has approved 1,078 stands for relocation, with the promise of infrastructure like roads, water, and electricity, all at no cost to the residents. 

Despite some residents preferring to remain in Protea South, the MMC outlined the plan to move them to a safer area. During his visit, however, he discovered that scammers were charging between R30,000 and R40,000 per stand. Councillor Mabaso strongly emphasized that these stands are free of charge as part of the city’s housing program and urged residents not to fall prey to these fraudulent activities. He called on anyone who has been asked to pay bribes or fees to report the incident immediately.