TWO suspects aged 44 and 46 were arrested this afternoon by the members of the Hawks for illegally selling City owned stand for R7000 in Eikenhof also known as Jackson City.
Police are also hot on the heels of a third suspect who is allegedly working for the City.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Booysens Magistrates Court on Monday (11 April) where they will be charged for corruption and extortion.
Group Forensic and Investigation Services spokesman,
Lucky Sindane
said in a statement that they received a complaint
from head of department Group Legal and Contracts about the illegal sale of
land belonging to the City.
The land in question was previously invaded and the City obtained a court order against invasion, allocation and erecting of illegal structures in June 2020. The order was further extended to November 2020.
Sindane said, “GFIS working together with the Hawks and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) set up a sting operation. The suspects were approached by the undercover officials and they agreed to sell the stand for R7000. The suspects requested a deposit of R4500 before handing over the stand to the undercover officials.”
He added, “As soon as the money was paid into a certain bank account which was provided by the suspects, they were both nailed.”
"The City is 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 the City. The City 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."
The City would also like to encourage people to report any fraud and corruption activities through our 24hour tipoff hotline 0800 002 587 or email: [email protected] or visit GFIS offices situated at 48 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein.
