Bogus estate agent sentenced to four years in jail for fraud

An Eastern Cape bogus estate agent has been jailed for an effective four years in jail. 

Theophillus Mncedi Pato, 49, was sentenced this week in the East London Regional Court following his arrest in 2022. 

Pato and his co-accused Makhlubandile Nqoma, 51, allegedly purported themselves as estate agents in 2016 and 2018. 

The duo were arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (known as Hawks) on June 23, 2022, and where they were released on R1,000 bail each. 

According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, Pato and Nqoma purported themselves as estate agents.

Pato, together with his accomplice, showed and sold houses that were not for sale

"The victims were asked to deposit cash into the suspects' bank accounts, but they never received their houses."

Mhlakuvana said the matter was reported to the Hawks, and investigations revealed that the victims were prejudiced cash of more than R800,000. 

Pato made numerous court appearances until he was sentenced this week. 

He was sentenced on three counts of fraud. 

"The court sentenced him to six years imprisonment of which 2 years was suspended for 5 years on condition that the accused is not convicted on fraud or theft during the period of suspension.

"Therefore, Pato has been sentenced to undergo 4 years of direct imprisonment with no option of a fine."

Nqoma's trial is set to continue in March 2025. 

IOL News