Tebogo Msimanga |
The Hawks’ re-arrested a real estate agent, Annica Van Staden (46) in Boksburg, Gauteng Province on Monday 26 April 2021. The arrest follows her recent publications on the media as a wanted suspect dating back to 20 April 2021. It is alleged that the suspect was selling Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses without the knowledge of the owners.
Captain Dineo Sekhotodi said the buyers allegedly paid money into her business trust account, trading as “Housing First Eiendomme”. As soon as the money was received into her account, it would be transferred to her accomplices.
It is further alleged that Van Staden was arrested in Protea Glen, Soweto in August 2019 for fraud and she was released on bail and the matter was postponed to 11 November 2020 but she evaded court. Consequently, a warrant of arrest was issued against her.
“A further investigation linked her with other cases of fraud worth a total value of approximately R184 000.00. These cases are in Orange Farm, Nelspruit, Lydenburg and Piet Retief, where more than 36 potential witnesses laid complaints against her.”
Sekgotodi added that the Hawks swiftly acted on information from the community about Van Staden’s hiding place. “The team proceeded to the address and found her with all her luggage packed and ready to flee.”
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Zodwa Mokoena applauded the team for their quick response to arrest the suspect.
She will appear before the Middelburg Magistrate Court on Wednesday, 28 April 2021.
