City of Johannesburg’s group forensic and investigation service (GFIS) arrested 14 suspects for operating a bogus recruitment agency on September 19.
The suspects were operating from 155 Ilpa House, Commissioner Street in the Johannesburg CBD.
The suspects were arrested in a sting operation conducted by GFIS in collaboration with members of the Hawks and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
“Unsuspecting job seekers sent their CVs to the company, they were instructed to pay a R650 fee to secure placement as firefighters for the City’s Emergency Management Services,” said executive mayor of CoJ Herman Mashaba.
Mashaba is calling on anyone who has fallen victim to this sort of criminal activity to come forward with any information to assist with more arrests.
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“This is a milestone in prioritising the need to bring back the rule of law to our communities. Operation Buya Mthetho remains committed to ensuring that criminals are left with no safe havens that are to the detriment of our people. I would like to thank JMPD, EMS and the Hawks commercial crime team led by Brigadier Wendy Mashwabane who were part of this successful operation,” he said.
Mashaba said residents should take action and report any suspicion of fraud and corruption activities through the 24-hour tip-off hotline 0800 002 587.
Alternatively, they should visit the GFIS offices situated at 48 Ameshoff Street in Braamfontein.
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The suspects are expected to appear in court on September 20.
Investigations are ongoing and more suspects are expected to be arrested.
