The man who headed this process, Stephen Sebueng, the embattled Head of Legal Services at the Land Bank, has finally exited his position.

Recently, the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, provided a 24-month data report regarding Land Bank’s liquidation applications. These records reveal a disturbing pattern of collusion between a liquidation syndicate and the Land Bank’s legal department. This syndicate, comprised of a select few individuals, reaped millions of rand in legal fees, liquidation fees, and auctioneer commissions. Despite being a state organization required to follow strict procurement policies, the Land Bank failed to adhere to proper procedures in appointing these beneficiaries. Instead, they worked closely with Mr. Sebueng, who seemingly turned a blind eye to the irregularities. The Bank is now accused of employing “expropriation without compensation” strategies.

Hundreds of farmers have already lost their land due to these aggressive and fraudulent methods. Court documents show that the bank may have lied about its rights and so submitted false claims against farmers.

According to the law, liquidators must act wholly independent with integrity and fairness. They should prioritize the interests of all creditors equally and perform their duties without bias. However, the liquidators appointed by the Land Bank did not follow these rules. Instead, they worked closely with the bank’s lawyers to manipulate the process.

This meant that the bank’s lawyers could act on behalf of both the bank and the liquidators, creating a clear conflict of interest. As a result, the bank’s false claims were never investigated or reported to the authorities. Recently, the Free State Master of the High Court removed two liquidators appointed by the Land Bank due to their misconduct.

Court papers show that during Sebueng’s leadership, the Land Bank legal department showed a blatant disregard for South Africa’s constitution and the constitutional court. The bank’s lawyers and appointed liquidators were accused of unethical behavior, twisting the law, and causing irregularities in court proceedings. The impact on farmers and their families has been severe, causing significant trauma and prejudice.

According to sources close to the bank, the bank is now restructuring its entire legal department and even consider a different approach.