The search follows the arrest of Rebotile Ankie Mohlolo, 32, who appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (22/9). She was granted bail of R4,000, and the case was postponed to 20 October while police continue efforts to trace the second suspect.

North West police spokesperson Capt. Majang Skalkie says Mohlolo faces charges of fraud and contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. The charges stem from an alleged fraudulent property auction scheme involving a house advertised for sale in Randlespark.

The complainant reportedly responded to the advertisement and contacted the number provided. She was sent documents to complete and informed that she could purchase the property before allegedly being instructed to pay a R23,000 deposit.

She later received an invoice for the outstanding amount, including attorney’s fees, bringing her total payments to more than R200,000. Police said she made the payments after being told the property would be registered in her name within about ten days.

When the stipulated period passed, the complainant was allegedly unable to contact the people involved. She then visited the address given for the purported law firm or estate agency, only to discover the business did not exist at the premises.

The occupants had no knowledge of the company, prompting the complainant to realise she had allegedly been defrauded. The matter was subsequently reported to police, leading to the investigation and Mohlolo’s arrest.

North West provincial commissioner Lt. Gen. Arthur Peter Adams urged the public to be cautious when responding to property auction advertisements. Prospective buyers are advised to verify auctioneers, estate agents, businesses and banking details independently before transferring money.

Police are continuing their investigation and efforts to trace the second suspect.

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