Mbali Dhlamini6 May 2024 | 12:10

SIU welcomes forfeiture order linked to fraudulent transfer of govt land to private entities

The order follows an SIU investigation that revealed a syndicate defrauded the department of rural development and land reform in Vryburg, Johannesburg and Pretoria.

SIU welcomes forfeiture order linked to fraudulent transfer of govt land to private entities

Special Investigating Unit (SIU) head, Advocate Andy Mothibi. Picture: SIU/Facebook

JOHANNESBURG - The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed a forfeiture order by the Pretoria High Court linked to the fraudulent transfer of government land to private entities.

The total value of the recovery is R53 million for land which was meant for the development of low-income housing and a school.

The order follows an SIU investigation that revealed a syndicate defrauded the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform in Vryburg, Johannesburg and Pretoria.

This by fraudulently transferring government property to individuals and private entities for their benefit. 

SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, said that the investigation looked into fraud and corruption committed between January 2008 and February 2022. 

"As part of the investigation, numerous affidavits were obtained by the SIU from internal DRDLR and Deeds Registry staff members, external witnesses and/or transferring attorneys."