A woman accused of running a bogus property auction scheme is out on R4,000 bail after police say she duped a Gauteng resident of more than R200,000. Rebotile Ankie Mohlolo, 32, appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday on charges of fraud and contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, 1998 (Act 121 of 1998). The matter was postponed to 20 October 2026, police said.
How police say the scam worked
According to the Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, the case began when a member of the public responded to an advertisement for an auction of a house in Randlespark. After making contact using the number on the advert, the complainant was sent paperwork to complete and informed the property could be bought.
Police allege the victim was instructed to pay a R23,000 deposit and was subsequently issued with an invoice for the remaining balance plus attorney’s fees, bringing the total paid to more than R200,000. The complainant was reportedly told the property would be registered in her name within about 10 days, but after that period elapsed she could not reach the people involved.
When the victim visited the address listed for the law firm or estate agency, occupants at the premises had no knowledge of the company and there were no offices matching the business details. Only then did the complainant realise she had been defrauded, police said. Investigations are ongoing and a second suspect remains at large.
"The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams, applauded Detective Warrant Officer Chris Marais for his diligent investigation, which led to Mohlolo's arrest and subsequent court appearance," police said.
Practical warning for buyers
Police urged the public to be cautious when responding to property auction advertisements and to verify auctioneers, estate agents and payment details before making any financial transactions. The circumstances laid out in this case illustrate several common red flags fraud investigators say prospective buyers should watch for:
- Upfront requests for large deposits or full payment before independent verification.
- Inability to visit a legitimate, traceable estate agency or law firm at a listed address.
- Pressure to complete forms or make payments quickly to secure the property.
- Invoices that include atypical or unexplained “attorney fees” or other add-ons.
Case details at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Accused | Rebotile Ankie Mohlolo, 32 |
| Charges | Fraud; contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (1998) |
| Bail | R4,000 |
| Amount allegedly defrauded | More than R200,000 (including a R23,000 deposit) |
| Court | Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court |
| Next appearance | 20 October 2026 |
Local impact and wider context
Property fraud using fake auctions or sham estate agents has been a recurring problem in South Africa as online and print advertising makes it easier to reach many potential buyers. This case highlights how scammers can manufacture credible-looking paperwork and invoice structures that appear legitimate until a prospective buyer attempts to verify the parties involved.
For Gauteng residents actively searching for property, investigators stress that independent verification is key: confirm registration details of estate agents and attorneys, visit physical offices, ask for proof of ownership or mandate to sell from the property registrar, and use traceable payment methods. If anything seems rushed, inconsistent or unverifiable, prospective buyers should stop and seek advice.
What to do if you think you have been scammed
- Open a case at your nearest SAPS station as soon as possible and obtain a case number.
- Preserve all communication, invoices, proof of payment and advertised material.
- Report the matter to the Commercial Crime Investigation Unit handling fraud in your province.
- Consider contacting your bank immediately to see if payments can be traced or reversed.
Police said efforts are underway to trace and arrest the second suspect. No comments from the accused were available in the police statement. The investigation continues as authorities work to establish the full extent of the alleged scheme.
