Former mayor investigated for P2m land scam
Former Gaborone City Council Mayor, Kagiso Thutlwe is back in the news for all the wrong reasons, this time likely to face a seven year jail term over an alleged land fraud scheme.
The controversial politician, along with four other suspects including prominent lawyer, Kagisano Tamocha, were summoned for questioning at Serious Crime Squad offices in Gaborone early this week.
They are being probed for allegedly scamming two companies, Maart Homes (Pty) Ltd and Welcome Enterprises, out of more than P2million by fraudulently selling them a piece of land, Lot 57561, that did not belong to them and without the knowledge of the rightful owner.
The funds are said to have been channeled through Tamocha’s law firm, K.P. Tamocha & Company.
Tamocha has however distanced himself from any wrongdoing. In an interview with this publication, Tamocha confirmed he was involved in the deal but only on consultancy basis as his trust account was the one used to facilitate the transaction.
“The buyer and the seller used my trust account for transaction purposes, but due to client confidentiality I cannot disclose their names. I was not involved in the drafting of any agreements.”
Tamocha also shared with this publication that he was notified of this week’s questioning last Friday.
“My hands are clean and if they want me I am always available and will avail myself at all times. I cannot speak much on the matter because we are being questioned right now,” he said.
Thutlwe on the other hand bolted before questioning could begin, after spotting members of the media and switched off his phone.
Meanwhile, police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Near Bagali confirmed to this publication that there is an ongoing investigation in relation to plots around Gaborone.
“We have called five people for questioning and among them is a lawyer whose transactions were done through his law firm. The group sold someone’s plot to two different people and we hope our investigations will unearth more of such land fraud.”
Bagali is optimistic that the investigations will be wrapped up soon and that the matter will be forwarded to DPP for prosecution. He said that if found guilty the suspects are likely to face seven years jail or P100 000 or both.
The former Mayor is not new to controversy. Last year he spent a night in prison after failing to settle a P23 000 debt. He was arrested immediately after appearing in court for fraud where he faced five counts.
