BLOEMFONTEIN — Five suspects, including a local advocate, have been arrested in connection with a property scam that defrauded victims of over R1.1 million.
According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti, 55-year-old advocate Siseko Leonard Cengcani, along with Tshadi Annah Molelekoa-Taso (44), Nomalizwe Brenda Nkwane (45), and Nontsikelelo Grace Mkololo (41), were taken into custody on Monday by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit in Bloemfontein. The group appeared in Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court the same day.
Investigators say the scheme began in 2020 when victims responded to property advertisements published in the Express newspaper by companies including Blue Print Corner, QST Trading, Anti-Poverty, and Senothesha. The complainants viewed the advertised properties through an agent and entered into purchase agreements.
Victims were allegedly given banking details and instructed to deposit funds, with promises that they would be able to occupy the properties within three months. However, after making payments, none of the complainants received the properties or refunds.
The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit determined that the properties were never for sale, making all transactions invalid. The victims suffered combined financial losses of approximately R1,135,000.
During their court appearance, the suspects were denied bail. The case has been postponed to March 18 for a formal bail application, and all five remain in custody.
