Kwazulu-natal: KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, has revealed the existence of an alleged criminal syndicate operating from within a correctional facility and linked to the sale of RDP houses, including to undocumented foreign nationals. Duma stated that this discovery is part of an initiative aimed at combating corruption and irregularities in the allocation of subsidised housing.

According to South African Government News Agency, investigators found a case in which a government-subsidised house meant for a South African beneficiary was occupied by an undocumented Mozambican national. The individual reportedly possessed only a foreign identity card and lacked a valid passport or legal status document.

Furthermore, evidence indicated that the house was handed over to the Mozambican national by an unauthorised third party, bypassing the official Housing Subsidy System (HSS) procedures. Duma mentioned that a prisoner and a traditional leader have been identified as masterminds behind the operation. The elite team, led by Head of the Department of Human Settlements Max Mbili, is collaborating with the Department of Correctional Services and the South African Police Service to dismantle the syndicate.

The team has also uncovered fraud linked to the Floods Disaster Relief Fund, with one suspect expected to reappear in court on 25 May 2026. Investigations into the sale of RDP houses are progressing in several municipalities, including Alfred Duma Local Municipality, KwaDukuza Local Municipality, and Inkosi uMtubatuba Local Municipality.

Duma emphasized that municipalities must adhere to the protocol that the handing over of title deeds is the responsibility of the MEC and the Minister at provincial and national levels. He also addressed complaints from communities about unlawful removals from housing waiting lists, asserting the commitment to act against manipulation of the list. - SAnews.gov.za