POTCHEFSTROOM – The Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit has arrested a suspect in connection with a fraud case in which a complainant was allegedly defrauded of more than R200 000-00 in a fraudulent property auction scheme.
The suspect was arrested on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, and charged with fraud and contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, 1998 (Act 121 of 1998).
The investigation stems from an incident in which the complainant responded to an advertisement for the auction of a house in Randlespark. After contacting the number provided in the advertisement, she was sent documentation to complete and was informed that the property could be purchased.
She was allegedly instructed to pay a deposit of R23 000-00 and issued with an invoice for the outstanding amount, including attorney’s fees, totalling more than R200 000-00, which she paid as instructed.
The complainant was allegedly informed that the property would be registered in her name within approximately 10 days. However, after the stipulated period had elapsed, she was unable to contact the individuals involved.
She subsequently visited the alleged law firm/estate agency and discovered that the offices did not exist and that the occupants at the premises had no knowledge of the company. She then realised that she had been defrauded.
Rebotile Ankie Mohlolo (32) appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 22 September 2026. She was granted bail of R4 000-00, and the matter was postponed to 20 October 2026.
The second suspect remains at large, and efforts are underway to trace and arrest the suspect. The investigation is continuing.
The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams, applauded Detective Warrant Officer Chris Marais for his diligent investigation, which led to the arrest and subsequent court appearance of the suspect.
He further urged members of the public to exercise caution when responding to property auction advertisements and to verify the legitimacy of auctioneers, estate agents and payment details before making any financial transactions.