Soweto housing fraud case postponed for third time

The fraud and corruption case against Cynthia Ntshangase, a receptionist at the Pimville housing office in Soweto, has been postponed until October 27. Ntshangase is accused of fraudulently selling the homes of vulnerable families, including RDP and private houses.

The investigation was launched in December 2019 by the Gauteng Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks). While Ntshangase was originally one of two municipal officials charged, the other accused has since passed away.

During the recent court appearance at the Lenasia Magistrates’ Court, Magistrate Syfred Mati granted the postponement following a defense request to ‘apply for further particulars’ under the Criminal Procedure Act. The hearing was attended by 17 victims of the alleged scam, supported by the collective Khuluma Mphakathi. Protesters gathered outside the court chanting ‘We need our houses,’ expressing frustration over the delays and the housing department’s perceived inaction.