Nozipho Mathenjwa has been handed a six-month jail sentence for scamming villagers out of their hard-earned money.
KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has issued a stern warning to criminals as he fights against fraud in his department.
ALSO READ | Forex Trader Mfundo Manci sentenced to 10 years for fraud
Duma said Mathenjwa, who appeared in the Ubombo Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 14 January, was sentenced to six months in prison or alternatively pay a R10 000 fine.
This after she was found guilty of fraud, impersonation and extortion.
The woman was impersonating a Human Settlements official and demanded cash from villagers in return for job opportunities, tenders and houses.
The MEC said Mathenjwa targeted villagers from the uMkhanyakude Municipality.
“We wish to inform the people of KZN that Nozipho Mathenjwa has been sentenced to six months in prison, alternatively a R10 000 fine with R5 000 suspended for three months,” he said.
“She pleaded guilty to counts of fraud, impersonation and extortion.”
Duma said he had received complaints from community leaders and residents about Mathenjwa, who was impersonating officials from the Department of Human Settlements.
“She demanded money from unsuspecting members of the public in return for job opportunities, houses, and tenders for the construction of houses.”
“She targeted vulnerable members of society in the uMkhanyakude District Municipality,” he said.
He said she approached service providers and companies in the construction sector, claiming they had been awarded construction tenders.
She demanded upfront payments or a processing fee.
“Once again, we wish to commend the Department of Human Settlements’ Anti-Fraud and Corruption Investigating Team and the SAPS for leaving no stone unturned in order to ensure a successful prosecution and conviction of Mathenjwa.”
“Our focus is now on dismantling other syndicates within the housing sector,” he said.
ALSO READ | Some victims of R10 Million fraud were burnt and drowned
Duma reminded unsuspecting residents to be aware of fraudsters who are posing as department officials.
“You should not pay money for any job, tender, or to jump the queue for an RDP house,” he said.
