EASTERN CAPE – Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses alleged fraudsters Lindelwa Queen Makhaza (32) and Malibongwe Matiso (33) were released on R1000 bail each by Aliwal North Magistrate’s court on 12 October 2022. This is subsequent to their arrest by the East London based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks during the late hours of yesterday 11 October 2022.

It is alleged that during 2020, the duo is alleged to have sold RDP houses in the Aliwal North area. The RDP houses were not for sale and actually belonged to the persons who were deceased. One of the community leaders is reported to have brought the matter to the attention of the community and South African Police Services which prompted Investigation by the Hawks.

Makhaza purported to be employed at the Joe Gqabi Municipality. She is alleged to be instrumental in referring buyers of RDP houses to Matiso who was employed as a messenger at the Magistrate’s Office in Aliwal North. Matiso was permitted to perform duties that fell beyond his scope of work as an internal arrangement and an accepted practice at the Magistrate’s court in Aliwal North.

It is reported that these duties included inter-alia opening estate files.  It is alleged that Matiso opened two fraudulent estate files with fictitious executors and forwarded them to Bhisho High court for approval. The executors are reported to have taken control of the deceased estates and sold two RDP houses which were part of the estate of the deceased at R90 000-00 each thus adding to  a total prejudice of R180 000-00.

The matter was reported to the Hawks in February 2022 resulting in the arrest on 11 October 2022.  The duo was released on R1000-00 bail each and the matter is remanded to 12 December 2022 for further investigation.

Source: South African Police Service