City official in court for illegal sale of council flat

A City of Joburg official has appeared in court for allegedly selling a flat belonging to the city to the tenant, mayor Herman Mashaba said yesterday.

Cloene Ruth Smith, 59, a programme co-ordinator in the social development department, was arrested on Thursday by the SA Police Service and charged with theft.

She subsequently appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court, he said.

In July this year, the city’s group forensic and investigation services (GFIS) received a complaint from the housing department about the alleged illegal sale of a municipal flat – 24 Claude Bekker in South Hills, Johannesburg.

“An investigation revealed that after the lawful tenant of the flat died in January 2016, Smith unlawfully allocated the flat to someone else,” Mashaba said.

“Smith then approached the new tenant and informed them that she was in charge of the flat and was selling it for R50 000.

“A deal was then concluded; both parties agreed that the money would be paid in monthly instalments.

“It is alleged that the new tenant paid Smith a deposit of R6 000 and a monthly rental of R2 000 from February 2016, until March 2017.

“A total of R24 000 was paid to the official,” he said.

“We will continue to vigorously pursue every allegation of corruption.

“Corruption has no place in this administration.

“We will work tirelessly, and in collaboration with institutions such as the Hawks, Saps, and all other institutions within the criminal justice system, to ensure that the residents of Johannesburg receive the quality services that they deserve,” Mashaba said. – ANA