Residents Warned as Komani Family Shares Painful Rental Scam Experience

Komani residents are being urged to remain vigilant when searching for rental accommodation, after a family shared their distressing experience involving what they believe was a fraudulent housing deal. While no names or identifying details can be published for legal reasons, their story highlights the urgent need for caution when dealing with informal rental arrangements.

A couple who recently relocated from East London contacted Komani News to warn others after losing money to what they describe as a rental scam. They say the situation has left them stranded, financially drained, and without a place to live despite preparing to start new jobs in Komani.

Family Shares Their Experience

The couple explained that they were referred to a man by someone who claimed he could help them find a house to rent. After receiving his number, they communicated with him by phone and received pictures of several homes.

Wanting to secure accommodation before their work start date, they travelled from East London to Komani on 6 November to meet him in person. According to the family, he took them to view a white house in a rural area near Komani. The property appeared empty and available.

Believing the offer was legitimate, they agreed to take the house and returned to East London to gather the required funds. They paid the full rent and deposit via bank transfer, expecting to move in before 17 November, their work deadline.

The family said the man later contacted them, claiming the house was being painted and would be ready soon.

Timeline of Events Takes a Disturbing Turn

The family explained that the situation began to unravel the day before their planned move.

They told the man they were travelling from East London with their belongings. He responded that he would contact the owner for the keys. Later, he phoned to say the owner was angry because they were “out of town” and that the house had supposedly been empty for a long time.

The family found this strange — they had viewed the house themselves, and the explanation didn’t make sense, especially as they were told a child in the household was writing exams, making it unlikely the house was empty.

He then advised them to “forget about that house” and said he would arrange a different place for them to stay temporarily for one month while he supposedly resolved the issue with the owners. He gave them a number for a person in Ezibeleni who might have a house available.

Before calling the new contact, the family returned to the original white house they had viewed. They spoke to neighbours, located the real owners, and were told that:

• The owners had no idea their house was being advertised for rent.

• They had never authorised anyone to show or rent out the property.

• They had never received any rent or deposit.

When the family confronted the man about this, he told them to instead go to another woman who had a furnished house, saying they could stay there for R1 500 while he “sorted out” the situation.

The family told him clearly that their money had been taken and there was no legitimate rental arrangement. Immediately after this, he stopped answering their calls and his phone appeared to be switched off.

Residents Say This May Not Be an Isolated Incident

After the family continued asking around in the area, local residents told them that similar situations had occurred before. They were informed that the same individual was allegedly seen driving a Kia EcoSport, reportedly belonging to a deceased relative.

The family says they are devastated — unable to access the house they paid for, left with no accommodation, and forced to sleep in a garage while trying to start a new life in Komani.

Growing Concern Over Rental Fraud in Komani

This incident comes amid rising reports of misleading rental adverts circulating on social media platforms across Komani. These schemes often involve:

• Fake rental listings

• Photos that do not match real properties

• Houses shown that are not actually for rent

• People becoming unreachable after receiving payment

The situation is particularly dangerous for families relocating for work or emergencies.

Advice for Residents: How to Avoid Rental Scams

1. Never pay rent or deposit before receiving verified keys.

Legitimate landlords allow tenants to view and verify the property thoroughly.

2. Always speak to neighbours or the real owner.

Neighbours often know who genuinely owns or manages the property.

3. Use written lease agreements.

This protects both parties and prevents misunderstandings.

4. Be cautious of urgency.

Fraudsters often push renters to “pay immediately.”

5. Report any suspicious activity to SAPS immediately.

A case number helps authorities identify repeat patterns.

Community Urged to Remain Vigilant

Residents are encouraged to verify all rental information, avoid cash or rushed payments, and report any suspicious behaviour. Komani News will continue publishing public safety alerts as more cases emerge.