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Johannesburg - The High Court in Johannesburg on Wednesday ordered the transfer of 24 properties worth an estimated R200m back to the city, the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) said.
"We believe this ruling sends a powerful signal to anyone who attempts to undermine the authority of the city and a clear indication that we won't compromise on our mandate to develop and manage the city's property portfolio," said JPC managing director Helen Botes in a statement.
The respondents withdrew their intention to oppose the matter and the court awarded costs to the city.
Botes said it was unlikely they would be able to appeal the matter. The JPC is initiating further criminal charges against the respondents.
The properties were fraudulently transferred to other entities several months ago using forged applications for lost title deeds.
The Hawks have arrested five people, including a JPC employee, and charged them with 28 counts of suspected fraud and racketeering. Several officials at the Deeds Office have also been suspended.
"The final part of this matter will sealed when an internal forensic investigation on all JPC officials is completed to ensure that any form of corruption is rooted out at all levels," said Botes.
The JPC has also taken the precautionary measure of requiring the Deeds Office to alert it on sales and transfers in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
"We believe this ruling sends a powerful signal to anyone who attempts to undermine the authority of the city and a clear indication that we won't compromise on our mandate to develop and manage the city's property portfolio," said JPC managing director Helen Botes in a statement.
The respondents withdrew their intention to oppose the matter and the court awarded costs to the city.
Botes said it was unlikely they would be able to appeal the matter. The JPC is initiating further criminal charges against the respondents.
The properties were fraudulently transferred to other entities several months ago using forged applications for lost title deeds.
The Hawks have arrested five people, including a JPC employee, and charged them with 28 counts of suspected fraud and racketeering. Several officials at the Deeds Office have also been suspended.
"The final part of this matter will sealed when an internal forensic investigation on all JPC officials is completed to ensure that any form of corruption is rooted out at all levels," said Botes.
The JPC has also taken the precautionary measure of requiring the Deeds Office to alert it on sales and transfers in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
