Land in the process of being donated to Buffalo City Metro (BCM) by the department of public works is being sold illegally online.
An OLX advert for 900m² plots located in Bhongweni on the Buffalo Pass Road being sold for R30000 was a scam, BCM warned yesterday.
Metro spokesman Thandy Matebese said BCM had no knowledge of the sale.
“If it is happening, that would be illegal. Bhongweni initially belonged to the department of public works and they donated it to BCM. However, the donation process itself has not yet even been finalised,” Matebese said.
He said even if the metro were to sell the plots, they would not be able to do so as a feasibility study would be needed first.
The ward councillor for the area, Sindile Toni, said the sale of plots in Bhongweni – which measure more than 250ha – was a scam.
The advert seen by the Dispatch states: “Vacant land for sale. One of two plots kept in the area on Buffalo Pass Road, not far from airport and Willow Park.
“Build your dream home today. Water and electricity in area is available. A must-see.”
The Dispatch called the numbers listed on the advert to enquire about the purchase of the plot as an ordinary member of the public.
A man who identified himself only as Mondi answered the one number, saying only one plot was available as the other one had already been sold.
“You will need to bring an affidavit from the police stating that you want to buy the land and bring your identity book.
“I will put you in touch with the woman who makes the online adverts. Her name is Thandi. You need to call her, she will be able to tell you what to do next,” he said.
The Dispatch was unable to reach Thandi the first time.
“She is probably sceptical of answering an unknown number but I will call her and let her know you are trying to get hold of her,” Mondi said.
A few minutes later, the Dispatch called Thandi, who confirmed the site was available.
“You need to come and view the site first. You only need to bring your ID book and we will talk afterwards. There is electricity supply and water ... you can connect yourself,” she said.
When the Daily Dispatch confronted Mondi late yesterday, he said: “No one can say they bought the land from me.” He then dropped the call.
Thandi claimed she did not know what OLX was and when informed the previous conversation with her had been recorded, she said the land being sold had been sold to her.
“I am not going to say who sold the land to me,” she said before hanging up.
Toni described the situation as shocking.
“No individual owns a plot in the area, it is shocking to hear that there are people selling plots,” said Toni who said he was hearing this for the first time when the Dispatch called him yesterday.
Toni said he would escalate the matter to council for further investigation.
“We encourage people not to be careless with their money, always approach the municipality or the councillors to verify facts, especially on matters like these,” Matebese said. — arethal@dispatch.co.za
Land given to BCM illegally sold online
An OLX advert for 900m² plots located in Bhongweni on the Buffalo Pass Road being sold for R30000 was a scam, BCM warned yesterday.
Metro spokesman Thandy Matebese said BCM had no knowledge of the sale.
“If it is happening, that would be illegal. Bhongweni initially belonged to the department of public works and they donated it to BCM. However, the donation process itself has not yet even been finalised,” Matebese said.
He said even if the metro were to sell the plots, they would not be able to do so as a feasibility study would be needed first.
The ward councillor for the area, Sindile Toni, said the sale of plots in Bhongweni – which measure more than 250ha – was a scam.
The advert seen by the Dispatch states: “Vacant land for sale. One of two plots kept in the area on Buffalo Pass Road, not far from airport and Willow Park.
“Build your dream home today. Water and electricity in area is available. A must-see.”
The Dispatch called the numbers listed on the advert to enquire about the purchase of the plot as an ordinary member of the public.
A man who identified himself only as Mondi answered the one number, saying only one plot was available as the other one had already been sold.
“You will need to bring an affidavit from the police stating that you want to buy the land and bring your identity book.
“I will put you in touch with the woman who makes the online adverts. Her name is Thandi. You need to call her, she will be able to tell you what to do next,” he said.
The Dispatch was unable to reach Thandi the first time.
“She is probably sceptical of answering an unknown number but I will call her and let her know you are trying to get hold of her,” Mondi said.
A few minutes later, the Dispatch called Thandi, who confirmed the site was available.
“You need to come and view the site first. You only need to bring your ID book and we will talk afterwards. There is electricity supply and water ... you can connect yourself,” she said.
When the Daily Dispatch confronted Mondi late yesterday, he said: “No one can say they bought the land from me.” He then dropped the call.
Thandi claimed she did not know what OLX was and when informed the previous conversation with her had been recorded, she said the land being sold had been sold to her.
“I am not going to say who sold the land to me,” she said before hanging up.
Toni described the situation as shocking.
“No individual owns a plot in the area, it is shocking to hear that there are people selling plots,” said Toni who said he was hearing this for the first time when the Dispatch called him yesterday.
Toni said he would escalate the matter to council for further investigation.
“We encourage people not to be careless with their money, always approach the municipality or the councillors to verify facts, especially on matters like these,” Matebese said. — arethal@dispatch.co.za
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