Community leader in dock over illegal land sales
A community leader from Dukuduku faces charges of illegal sale of land
A large group of supporters congregated outside the Richards Bay Magistrate’s Court on Thursday as community leader Timothy Maphanga appeared on charges of fraud, theft and intimidation.
It is alleged he was paid a fee to allow people to illegally occupy land in Dukuduku.
A witness, Mr Tembe, took the stand, confirming he had bought a piece of land from Maphanga in 2008.
He said he had made a payment of R1 500 to Maphanga on a Saturday in the presence of some witnesses, but did not receive a receipt.
As Maphanga was rushing to a wedding that day, Tembe said the deal was concluded quickly.
When Maphanga’s defence argued that he was a member of the Nazareth Church and could not have received the money as they do not work on that day, Tembe said that was not true as he clearly recalled handing over the cash.
Meanwhile Maphanga maintains his innocence.
The case was postponed to 25 November for the State to consult with an outstanding witness.
