Fake lawyer, Real fraud: Alleged property swindler scams buyers out of R1. 3million
A 43-year-old has been arrested after he allegedly swindled prospective property buyers out of at least R1.3million.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Hazel Mqala, said the accused, who faces charges of fraud, forgery, uttering, and impersonating a legal practitioner, allegedly pretending to be a property lawyer.
“He worked under bogus companies called Native Sense Property Management, Skade Attorneys, and Pakade Attorneys.
“Through these fraudulent entities, he reportedly sold houses around Buffalo City District, particularly in Mdantsane and East London, without the knowledge or consent of the rightful property owners,” Mqala said.
Prospective buyers were duped into believing they were purchasing real properties and deposited money into the man’s bank account.
“The properties were priced between R120,000 and R250,000, with the total value of transactions amounting to approximately R1.3 million.
“Further investigation confirmed that the suspect is not a registered attorney and has no authority to practice as a conveyancer,” Mqala explained.
The accused has appeared in court and the matter was remanded to September 30 for further investigation.
IOL