ANC in Gauteng concerned about housing, land scams in Tshwane
The African National Congress (ANC) caucus in Gauteng says it’s concerned about the spike in the illegal sale of land around the province.
Caucus spokesperson Lesego Makhubela says criminal syndicates have targeted residents around northern parts of Tshwane, selling them plots of land that aren't on the market.
Parts of Johannesburg and Alexandra have also been rocked by the scam.
Makhubela says these groups are swindling residents of their hard-earned money.
“There’s a group of unscrupulous people who are targeting unsuspecting people who are looking for look to be able to build their homes or businesses.”
He adds the property is often sold at a fee between R20 000 and R100 000.
“Most of the land they then sell is land earmarked for development, which has been earmarked for the building of houses by the provincial government, it’s land that also belongs to private things.”
ALSO READ:
Red Ants pounce on Roodepoort residents
Red Ants, police and metro cops were all part of the operation. It's understood the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) were also been sent in for reinforcement. Johannesburg metro police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar says the residents will have to find their own alternative accommodation.
Makhubela admits there is a massive shortage of adequate housing for impoverished communities.
“It’s linked to everything in the province that promotes illegality. There are people who would come and occupy RDP houses that they found half built and they would occupy those houses and after occupying they would claim those houses.
“There is demonstrable progress in the rollout of mega human settlements projects and we acknowledge the persistent challenges of lack of housing, we urge our people to be vigilant and not fall prey to scams.”
