The City of Joburg Property Company (JPC) welcomes the arrest of Mr Petrus Jacobus Viljoen in connection with allegations relating to the fraudulent transfer and sale of City of Joburg-owned properties.
The arrest, effected by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS), marks a significant development in a matter that has remained under investigation for more than a decade and reflects the continued commitment of law enforcement agencies to ensuring accountability in cases involving public assets.
The matter dates to approximately May 2010, when JPC and the City of Joburg Metropolitan Municipality (CoJ) uncovered alleged fraud and theft involving municipal immovable properties. Investigations revealed that 33 City-owned properties of varying size, zoning classification, municipal value and market value had allegedly been unlawfully transferred and sold without due process.
According to information presented during investigations, some of these properties were transferred to unsuspecting bona fide purchasers, while the City did not receive payment for the transactions, resulting in substantial financial prejudice to the municipality.
For full details, download the official media release below: