R58m land grab: SIU uncovers Ekurhuleni’s missing municipal stands

Johannesburg – The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has uncovered the fraudulent transfer of municipal land worth R58 million into private hands in Ekurhuleni between 2018 and 2022.

The SIU said 208 of 221 vacant stands in Villa Liza Township, near Boksburg, were unlawfully transferred without council resolutions or lawful authority.

“The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigation into the affairs of Ekurhuleni Municipality has uncovered the fraudulent transfer of municipal land valued at R58 million into private hands between 2018 and 2022,” SIU head Leonard Lekgetho said during a press conference on Wednesday.

“This transfer occurred without a Council resolution, and the municipality has not received a cent from it.”

The investigation was authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa in October 2024 under Proclamation No. 195 of 2024. The SIU completed its investigation and submitted its final report to the Presidency in July 2026.

The Head of the SIU, Mr Leonard Lekgetho, says the investigation into the alleged fraudulent transfer of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality land has uncovered a scheme involving an agent and a conveyancing firm.

“The notary attorney, together with the agent, played a key role… pic.twitter.com/Etv28cSxqb

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) September 16, 2026

According to the findings, forged rates clearance certificates and fabricated powers of attorney were used to facilitate the transfers.

The SIU said a deceased person allegedly acted as an estate agent in the scheme. It also found that Moki Attorneys Incorporated, a conveyancing firm not on the municipality’s approved panel, lodged fraudulent documents with the Johannesburg Deeds Office.

The firm’s owner, Kabelo Valentine Moki, and his spouse, Makhosazana Emelda Moki, allegedly benefited from the scheme, acquiring 73 stands through Velamelda Trust and Mokolane Investments.

The stands were sold for R18,000 each, while municipal valuations ranged from R80,000 to R3.7 million. The SIU said the properties were later resold for an average of R250,000 each.

The matter has been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), with 208 referrals submitted for possible prosecution.

“There is no evidence indicating that municipal officials participated in the scheme,” the SIU said, adding that there was also no evidence that officials at the Deeds Office were involved.

Stronger controls

The SIU has obtained an interim interdict preventing the registered owners or occupants of the 208 stands from selling, transferring, leasing, donating, developing or otherwise dealing with the properties.

It will also approach the Special Tribunal on Friday, 18 September, to seek an order reviewing and setting aside the unlawful transfers and recovering losses suffered by the municipality.

The conveyancing firm has been referred to the Legal Practice Council, while referrals have also been made to the South African Revenue Service and Financial Intelligence Centre over suspected tax and financial compliance irregularities.

The SIU said the investigation highlighted the need for stronger controls over municipal property.

“Public property is the collective asset of citizens,” Lekgetho said.

“Fraudulent schemes of this nature not only erode public trust but also deprive communities of essential development opportunities.”

The SIU said it would continue working with law enforcement and regulatory bodies to recover financial losses and restore the properties to the people of Ekurhuleni.

Picture: X/@RSASIU

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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