A woman posing as a conveyancer is under investigation for allegedly defrauding multiple individuals who believed they were purchasing property legitimately.
Allegations of Fraud
The Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) has confirmed receiving five complaints against Nomakhosazana Petunia Macingwane, the CEO and director of Petu Estate, which operates from an office in Ghandi Square, Johannesburg. Macingwane is accused of defrauding buyers out of their money, with at least three victims reporting they never occupied properties they had paid for.
According to the LPC, which regulates legal practitioners, Macingwane is not registered as a lawyer and therefore operating as one would be a criminal offense. Macingwane admitted to not being registered with the LPC, stating she is only registered with the PPRA. However, the LPC maintains that acting as a lawyer without proper admission is misrepresentation.
Victims Speak Out
Bafana Mbundwini, 45, purchased a house in Protea Glen in January 2022 for R180,000 after being connected to Macingwane through an agent, Sello Morajane. Mbundwini was advised to deposit the funds into another person’s bank account, with a promise of receiving the title deed within three months. He moved into the property while awaiting the deed, only to discover months later that the house was being re-advertised for sale and did not actually belong to the seller.
Mbundwini was subsequently evicted and opened a fraud case with the police. He has received R110,000 in repayments – R80,000 from Macingwane and R30,000 from Morajane – and is still owed R70,000. Macingwane later claimed Morajane provided Petu Estate with fraudulent documents.
Two other individuals, Tshegofatso Namame and Nokuthula Kgoadi and her husband, as well allege they were defrauded by Macingwane, paying R250,000 and R700,000 respectively for properties they did not ultimately acquire. Namame received only R10,000 in reimbursement.
Macingwane’s Response
Macingwane denied the allegations of theft in a WhatsApp voice note to Sowetan, stating, “I am not the one who comes with the property, as they say I scam. I don’t do that.” She also claimed some clients cancelled sales due to delays. She admitted to receiving funds into her bank account and stated she was planning to settle the debts, blaming the agents and sellers for the issues.
Macingwane also threatened legal action against Sowetan should the story be published, though she had not filed any court papers at the time of reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the PPRA?
The Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) received five complaints against Nomakhosazana Petunia Macingwane and is investigating the allegations.
Is Nomakhosazana Petunia Macingwane a registered lawyer?
No, the Legal Practice Council (LPC) has no record of Nomakhosazana Petunia Macingwane as a registered legal practitioner.
What has happened to the victims who allege they were defrauded?
Bafana Mbundwini was evicted from a property he believed he purchased and is owed R70,000. Tshegofatso Namame received only R10,000 of the R250,000 she paid, and Nokuthula Kgoadi and her husband opened a case with the police and the PPRA after paying R700,000 for a property.
Given the ongoing investigations and potential legal challenges, it remains to be seen what the ultimate outcome of these allegations will be, and whether further victims will come forward.
