BETHLEHEM \u2013 The Bethlehem Regional Court has sentenced two property fraudsters, Peters Wilhemus Viljoen (52) and Samuel Kamolase Mofokeng (48), to lengthy prison terms for defrauding several people of an estimated R27 million through Blue Key Properties Brokers. They were sentenced on Tuesday following their conviction on multiple counts of fraud and contravening the Property Practitioners Act.<\/p>\n
Their conviction and sentencing followed investigations by Bethlehem\u2019s Hawks unit in the Free State. They were arrested on 30 August last year. The fraud involved approximately 66 victims who lost significant amounts of money deposited in the account of the property company. <\/p>\n
Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti, the provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said the court sentenced Viljoen to 20 years for fraud and six years\u2019 imprisonment for contravening the Property Practitioners Act, while Mofokeng received 18 years for fraud and four years\u2019 imprisonment for contravening the Property Practitioners Act. She said the sentences will run concurrently.<\/p>\n
The contravention of the Property Practitioners Act entailed failure to transfer funds and properties to numerous purchasers and sellers.<\/p>\n
\u201cBetween 2014 and 2025, the accused advertised residential properties for sale, assisted buyers with viewings and offers to purchase. Then they instructed them to deposit the purchase funds into the director\u2019s account. Despite receiving payments, the transactions were never finalised, leaving both buyers and sellers prejudiced while the funds were misappropriated for personal benefit,\u201d said Matoti.<\/p>\n
She said the company Blue Key Properties Brokers was also convicted on multiple counts of fraud and sentenced to a fine of R3 million, wholly suspended for five years. \u201cThis is on condition that it is not convicted of a similar offence during the suspension period,\u201d said Matoti.<\/p>\n
The brokers advertised properties in local newspapers, showed victims houses in Bethlehem and Phuthaditjhaba, and collected cash deposits. Victims never received keys or refunds.<\/p>\n
The Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks, Brigadier Paulus Mbongo, has welcomed the sentencing of two fraudsters, Viljoen and Mofokeng. <\/p>\n