Massive House Hijacking Scandal Unfolds: Lawyer Joshua Apfel and Compeg Management Accused of Illegally Seizing Properties

City of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa — A shocking house hijacking scandal has rocked Johannesburg, with lawyer Joshua Apfel and property management company Compeg Management accused of illegally seizing homes through alleged false debt claims and manipulative tactics. Apfel, who claims to hold a public office as a PR Councillor for the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg, is reportedly using his influence to target and dispossess property owners, particularly Black Africans.

The issue has now reached the Joburg City Council, prompting calls for investigation and public accountability. Our publication attempted to verify Apfel’s status as a DA PR Councillor, only to uncover further controversy. According to a council source who declined to be named, Apfel left the DA in 2021 and has not returned, despite still listing himself as a DA representative on his LinkedIn profile. DA officials have since issued warnings to the public, clarifying that Apfel no longer represents the party and distancing themselves from his actions.

One of the most concerning cases in this scandal involves Deborah Nyasha Peters, who currently lives abroad. Her property, Portion 33 (Unit 19) of Morningside Ext 63, located at 34-22 School Road, Morningside, Sandton, is under mortgage with ABSA Bank. Yet, due to alleged legal maneuvering by Apfel and Compeg, her home is scheduled to be auctioned on November 12, 2024. Peters questions whether ABSA is even aware of the auction, as Apfel claims to have served execution papers to both the bank and the City of Johannesburg. The involvement of a Deputy Sheriff in these actions has further raised suspicions about the legitimacy of the process.

This unfolding scandal has sparked widespread outrage, with numerous property owners coming forward to share similar experiences. Affected homeowners report a disturbing pattern: Apfel and Compeg are allegedly working “hand in glove” to force sales of properties at artificially low prices, based on fabricated debt claims, often without proper notice or valid grounds. The alleged scheme has left countless families on edge, fearing their properties could be next.

Community leaders warn that if such abuses go unchecked, Johannesburg’s reputation as a safe investment destination will be severely damaged. “This is a violation of basic property rights and an affront to our legal system,” stated one community advocate. “The City Council must investigate these allegations and hold those responsible to account.”

As investigations continue, we urge all victims of these alleged abuses to speak out and share their stories. By bringing these disturbing practices to light, Johannesburg can begin to restore trust in its institutions and protect the rights of all property owners.