ELEVEN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS PLEAD GUILTY TO HOUSING FRAUD CHARGES

Pietermaritzburg – ELEVEN government officials from KwaZulu-Natal who fraudulently acquired subsided houses were yesterday (Wednesday 23 April

2008) slapped with hefty fines by the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court after they pleaded guilty to their charges.

However, the sentences were suspended on condition that they don't engage in similar fraudulent activities.

The offenders, some of whom are nurses, teachers and school principals, had falsely claimed in the affidavit that they were unemployed at the time of application.

Their fines ranged from R3000 to R10000.

All the eleven fraudsters have signed the Admission of Debt and undertaken to pay back the money for the houses with interest. Some started paying their installments in December 2007 which are calculated over a certain period to equal the subsidy amount at the time of application.

The offenders will keep the houses as long as they adhere to the conditions in the Admission of Debt they signed, failing which the suspended sentences will become effective.

More suspects are expected to appear before the Pietermaritzburg Regional

Court tomorrow on the same charges.

 National Housing Minister Dr Lindiwe Sisulu welcomed the court decision:

"We are committed to rooting out corruption more especially within the public sector and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that all the unscrupulous fraudsters are brought to book," said Sisulu.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Local Government, Housing and Traditional Affairs

Michael Mabuyakhulu also welcomed the court verdict, saying it would send a strong message to would-be fraudsters.

"This judgment will send a clear message that anyone who fleeces our government and rob our poor qualifying beneficiaries will face the full wrath of the law.  We say to those still on the loose the noose is tightening around you," he said.

For more information please contact Xolani Xundu on 082 775 5744 and Lennox Mabaso on 082 8842 403

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