HAWKS AND MOBILITY DEPARTMENT EXPOSE JOB SCAMS

Wed 15 January 2025:

South Africa – The Hawks and the Western Cape Mobility Department have issued a strong warning about job scams targeting SAPS and the Gene Louw Traffic Training College. Scammers are taking advantage of people’s aspirations, pretending to represent these institutions and tricking them into paying for fake job opportunities.

In the SAPS-related scam, fraudsters pose as police personnel, offering bogus jobs over the phone and asking for money. Major General Nico Gerber from the Hawks in Mpumalanga urged the public to remain cautious.

“Members of the public should bear in mind that there is no institution that can just call you for employment opportunities without applying for such a position. It should serve as a red flag when the caller begins to demand financial benefits during the conversation.”

He also advised against sharing personal or financial details with anyone claiming to represent SAPS without proper verification. He recommended checking the official SAPS website for all legitimate job postings and application processes.

These scams are especially harmful as scammers often target individuals who have already applied for jobs or participated in recruitment processes, tricking them into paying bribes to secure employment.

“Be warned that at no stage will the SAPS as an organisation or any government department demand money in exchange for employment opportunities. The Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation Unit is working around the clock to get those behind these criminal activities behind bars.”

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Scammers Targeting Gene Louw Traffic Training College

Similarly, the Western Cape Mobility Department reported that scammers have been using social media to exploit aspiring traffic officers, charging R150 for fake registration forms and R3,000 for enrolment.

“Gene Louw Traffic Training College emphatically states that no payments are required to secure admission and it will not communicate through social media platforms on recruitment or training opportunities. Members of the public are urged to be vigilant and recognise that any such request is a scam.”

Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku expressed concern about the scams, which he said prey on people’s ambitions to serve their communities.

“It is deeply concerning that scammers are preying on the hopes and ambitions of those seeking to serve their communities as traffic officers. The department will continue to take all necessary steps to protect our law-abiding residents and maintain the trustworthiness of our recruitment processes.”

Ms Jacqueline Tweedie, Head of the Gene Louw Traffic Training College, also voiced her disappointment. “We are disheartened by these fraudulent activities that exploit the aspirations of prospective traffic officers.”

“We remind everyone that admission to the college does not require any form of payment. Please verify all information through official channels to avoid falling victim to these scams.”

Members of the public are strongly encouraged to report any suspicious activity or fraudulent job offers to law enforcement immediately. This collective effort will help protect others and ensure the perpetrators are held accountable.

written by Thaabit Kamaar

This article originally published in Salaamedia click here