It has been brought to the attention of the PPRA that some property practitioners are allegedly involved in fraudulent activities which involve, amongst others, the unauthorised use of the electronic signatures of the Executive Manager and the Manager in the Education, Professionalisation & CPD Department in fictitious equivalency exemption letters. Electronic signatures of some employees of the PPRA were also unlawfully used to submit fictitious logbook letters.

 

The property practitioners involved have unlawfully acquired the electronic signatures of the PPRA personnel mentioned above and created fictitious equivalency exemption letters and logbook letters and thereafter demanded some PPRA personnel to update their records on the PPRA system.

 

The PPRA views these allegations in a serious light as they do not only constitute gross violation of the Code of Conduct of Property Practitioners but also are of a criminal nature which involves gross dishonesty. This conduct goes against the grain of the values of professionalism, integrity and honesty that are expected of property practitioners.

 

In the light of the above, the PPRA will be laying criminal charges against the implicated property practitioners with the South African Police Service (SAPS) so that arrests may be made. The PPRA will also institute its own disciplinary process which may lead to the withdrawal of Fidelity Fund Certificates (FFCs) of those found guilty.

 

Issued by: The Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority

Date: 13 September 2024