‘Game over’: KZN cracks down on R2bn RDP housing fraud network

KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma has declared “game over” for syndicates accused of looting flood disaster relief funds and manipulating RDP housing allocations, as a sweeping crackdown exposes a suspected multi-billion-rand fraud network. At the centre of the latest investigation is Baphezile Beauty Ngubane, an employee of Durban Transnet Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of eThekwini Municipality’s Durban Transport Services, who appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges linked to alleged fraud involving the Human Settlements Flood Disaster Relief Fund. Ngubane was arrested on March 23 after investigators alleged that she falsely claimed to be a flood victim in order to secure an RDP house funded through the disaster relief programme.

According to Duma, the house allocated to Ngubane cost the department R140 000. “She claimed to be a victim of floods, but our investigation uncovered that she is working,” said Duma. “Big question: who did she work with?

Our plan is to get her in court to reveal more rogue elements that she is working with,” said Duma The matter was postponed to June 22 after Ngubane reportedly applied for Legal Aid but was found to be above the qualifying threshold. Duma accused Ngubane of attempting to delay the case after she indicated plans to challenge the National Prosecuting Authority. “We believe that this is just a delaying tactic.

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The team is undeterred and remains focused,” he said. ALSO READ |Prison-based syndicate behind illegal RDP house sales, says MEC Duma The MEC said the investigation, carried out under the government’s #NenzaniLaEzweni operation, had uncovered widespread corruption involving municipal workers, politicians, councillors, traditional leaders and officials accused of manipulating housing allocations meant for vulnerable communities.

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