PP orders FS Premier to apologise for property registration errors

Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka has ordered Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and Mangaung Metro Mayor Gregory Nthlatsi to issue a public apology to land beneficiaries in Thaba Nchu.

This follows errors in the registration of some properties in the area and the undue delay by the Public Works and Infrastructure Department as well as Mangaung Metro to correct the error.

Gcaleka initiated the investigation after residents Ranthamane Nche and Billy Plaatjies lodged complaints in October 2022 and November 2023 respectively.

In 2017, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure was already aware of the 480 residential properties that needed transfer rectifications.

It has been reported that Nche’s late mother had obtained Erf 7164 in Mokwena Village from the Kgotla Ya Barolong Boo Seleka Tribal Authority.

Following her passing in 1996, Nche inherited the property and was granted a permit to occupy it.

But later he discovered that the property was registered to another person.

The other resident Plaatjie discovered that his inherited property was registered to his neighbour.