City warns public of individuals posing as health inspectors
The City reports of cases of individuals posing as health officials to illegally extort money from businesses.
THE eThekwini Municipality has issued a statement urging the public to be aware of scammers posing as health inspectors and illegally extorting money from businesses.
According to the municipality, the Health Unit department of the municipality has received reports from business owners of individuals purporting to be inspectors and demanding an immediate payment of R500.
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The City says businesses must know that:
1. The municipality’s environmental health inspectors will never ask for fines to be paid on the spot.
2. Municipal environmental health inspectors carry an identification badge that has the mayor’s signature.
3. The badge will have the first name, surname and office contact number of the official as well as the municipal logo.
4. Inspection forms will have the municipal logo which the business owner will be expected to sign to confirm the details of the inspection.
5. The inspectors will use a Section 56 fine book with the municipal logo.
6. Any fines must be paid to the municipal court or can be defended at nearby courts as stated on the municipal fine.
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As such, the City urges businesses and the public to be vigilant and verify the credentials of anyone claiming to be a health inspector.
If there are any suspicions or concerns, contact the City’s Health Unit on 031 311 3555.
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