Henties Bay councillor suspended

The chairperson of the Management Committee, Michael Skini, made the announcement to the media this week.

Skini told Nampa on Tuesday that the suspension came after the Henties Bay municipality received a complaint against Scholtz from a client who bought two erven, which cost
N$75 000 each, through private treaty in 2008.

The client deposited 10% of the money for the two erven as required by law, which was N$15 000, and did not receive any confirmation from the municipality’s administration desk, as is the norm.

The woman, whose identity is being withheld until a conclusion has been reached in the matter, however saw that the erven she bought in the town’s Extension 10 four years ago were published as being for sale in a local newspaper in 2010.

After she contacted the municipality, Skini said, the matter was investigated. It was then found that there were no records of the transfer of the erven initially, nor was there Council approval to repossess or sell the said erven to a new owner.

There was also no proof that the money was deposited by the new owners, as well as no cancellation of the previous transaction by the woman the erven was initially sold to.

A sales’ agreement was then sent to the woman to sign. She was to return the signed document, and include the outstanding amount on the two erven.

While the Town Planning and Property Administration (TPPA) office was awaiting the return of the sales’ agreement from her (purchaser), the Deeds Office here, however, stated that the two erven had been registered under two different persons’ names.

Skini said when Scholtz was informed by the TPPA about the alleged irregularities; he insisted that the call be transferred to him (Scholtz) if the woman calls again.

“He contacted her, and allegedly promised her another two erven in the new extension,” the chairperson explained.

Skini also informed this agency that the new owner constructed buildings on the erven, and has sold it again.

Formal investigations have been launched against Scholtz to see if there are any additional irregularities.

“The municipality does not like corrupt practices and if someone is guilty of such practices, they will be liable,” stressed Skini.

Scholtz was suspended with full pay until all investigations have been completed and the municipality reaches a conclusion.

He was not reachable for comment.