By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
13 March 2026- Andrew Molifi (51) briefly appeared at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court (SCCC), facing 34 counts of fraud and alternative theft. It is alleged that from 2016 until his arrest, Molifi fraudulently sold government land worth R113 million, 777 Erven West Township, also known as Beverly Hills belonging to the Department of Human Settlements, Emfuleni Municipality to unsuspecting individuals.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that Molifi sold a single stand on the land for R22 000 and a double stand for R44 000. Mahanjana said after the unsuspecting victims made payments to his company, the accused would send them an acknowledgement letter claiming that their deeds were being processed.
“This came to light after the Department of Human Settlements discovered that there was construction taking place on the land. In 2019 it is alleged that the Department of Human Settlements took the occupants of the land to court, where the occupants were ordered to make representations to the Department of Human Settlements.
“However, even after the court order, it is alleged that Molifi continued to sell the land to other unsuspecting individuals. The Department of Human Settlements opened a criminal case with the police and Molifi was arrested at his home in Evaton on 11 March 2026, and made his first appearance in court on 12 March 2026,” she said.
Mahanjana further said during his appearance, his legal representative objected to the jurisdiction and contended that the matter should have been enrolled at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court and not in Pretoria. She added that upon hearing a counter argument by the prosecutor, Advocate Bathabile Rapopo, the court ruled that the SCCC in Pretoria has jurisdiction.
“The matter was postponed to 24 March 2026, for an opposed bail application,” said Mahanjana.
The Guardian 