Fraudster gets eight years for house scam

A George man has been sentenced to eight years' imprisonment for defrauding a complainant of R300 000 in housing sale scam.

Riaan Dandrey Belelie, 39, was sentenced at the George Regional Court on Wednesday, said Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani.

According to Hani, Belelie went about the transaction in 2018. 

On the sentence, Hani said: “This comes after he entered into a plea agreement with the State on charges of fraud, forgery, and uttering. He was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment, of which four years is suspended for five years.

“It is reported that on August 3, 2018, the complainant agreed to sell a house to the accused for the amount of R780 000. According to the terms of the agreement, the accused should pay a deposit of R350 000 on the date of signing the contract,” said Hani. 

The court heard that the balance of R430 000 should be paid in three instalments of R143 334, and further, the amount of R5000 per month for rent from September 2018 until November 2018.

“On August 5, 2018, a proof of payment to the amount of R300 000 was sent via email to the complainant. It was sent on a Standard Bank internet banking letterhead. Upon the receipt of proof of payment, the accused moved into the property. It was later discovered that the proof of payment was forged. This led to the arrest of the accused, which further resulted in his sentencing,” said Hani.

The complainant suffered a potential loss of R300 000 and Belelie will effectively serve four years' direct imprisonment.

Cape Times