fake municipal officials
Siphokazi Fekisi|Published
The eThekwini Municipality says fraudsters are impersonating municipal officials and demanding payment for jobs, municipal-account write-offs and other services.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the municipality said reports indicated that fraudsters were using the names of municipal officials to gain residents’ trust and deceive them.
The municipality stressed that no official is authorised to request or accept payment for employment, debt arrangements or any municipal service.
“Soliciting or offering money in exchange for employment is a criminal offence, and offenders will face the full might of the law,” the municipality said.
Director of the City Integrity and Investigations Directorate (CIID), Jimmy Ngcobo, said investigations into the scams were ongoing.
“We urge members of the public not to make any payments to individuals promising jobs or account write-offs. Anyone who has been approached, or who has fallen victim to this scam, should report the matter to the CIID and the South African Police Service,” Ngcobo said.
The municipality advised residents that vacancies are advertised exclusively on its official website, "www.durban.gov.za/page/jobs" (https://www.durban.gov.za/page/jobs), and that applications are free.
Residents seeking assistance with municipal accounts or payment arrangements should visit their nearest Sizakala Centre.
Suspected fraud and corruption can be reported anonymously to the CIID through its toll-free hotline on 0800 20 20 20 or by emailing ombuds@durban.gov.za.