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The DA in Maluti-A-Phofung is shocked, once again, by the brazen attempt of the infamously known “fake king” to extort money from the residents of Maluti-A-Phofung.

King Letsitsa Moloi (who had changed his name from Sika Lucas Moloi) has had numerous court interdicts against his continued harassment, intimidation, leading land invasions and illegal land occupations and leading the illegal occupation of at least 80 newly built houses in Schoomplaas, where the Bloemfontein High Court issued an eviction notice in 2021.

It has been brought to our attention that a letter, in the name of the ‘king’s trust’, was handed over to business owners at the local shopping Centre. The letter demanded that all rental monies be paid into the ‘king’s’ bank account, claiming that the land belongs to him. The letter is a blatant attempt at extortion and intimidation. The response from the MEC is that this individual is not a recognized Traditional Leader.

The ‘kings trust’ has further been linked to letters delivered to businesses within the CBD, in which the business owners were informed that because their businesses are on the ‘king’s’ land, they -the business owners- would have to give/gift the fake king with items from their shops. This trust has furthermore been linked to a letter in which the fake king gives permission (at a price) for animal waste (pig blood and intestines) to be dumped in the Platberg Mountain Nature Reserve. Fortunately, this dumping was stopped before any damage could be done.

The Democratic Alliance in Maluti-A-Phofung would like to assure the community of the Greater Harrismith area that we are well aware of this fake king, and are monitoring him closely. The Democratic Alliance would also like to plead with the community to please inform the South African Police Service, should they have received any letters from the fake king himself or his trust, regarding any extortion or intimidation and/or any other tactics that might be used by the fake king to further himself financially. The SAPS will only be able to act on complaints lodged with them.

It is outrageous that this person continues with various schemes and rackets to extort money from the community, despite numerous orders from various courts to desist.

The DA in Maluti-A-Phofung have monitored and will continue to monitor the situation and will advise any resident who has fallen victim to this fake king and his criminal activities.

Issued by Alison Oates - MAP DA Caucus Leader