A bogus property auction agent is out on R4,000 bail after duping an unsuspecting victim out of R200,000 in Gauteng.
Rebotile Ankie Mohlolo, 32, appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on fraud charges on Tuesday. She was also charged with contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, 1998 (Act 121 of 1998). Police said the matter was postponed to October 20, 2026.
Police urged 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. Police said a second suspect remains at large, and efforts are underway to trace and arrest the suspect.
How the alleged scam unfolded
The Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit arrested Mohlolo on Tuesday, in connection with an alleged fraudulent property auction scheme. Police said the investigation stems from an incident where the victim responded to an advertisement for the auction of a house in Randlespark.
After contacting the number provided in the advertisement, the victim was sent documentation to complete and was informed that the property could be purchased. Police said the victim was allegedly instructed to pay a R23,000 deposit and was issued an invoice for the outstanding amount, including attorney’s fees, totalling more than R200,000, 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 elapsed, she was unable to contact the individuals involved,” Police alleged.
Detective commended
Police said the victim 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. Police said investigations are continuing.
The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams, applauded Detective Warrant Officer Chris Marais for his diligent investigation, which led to Mohlolo’s arrest and subsequent court appearance.
