THE SA Post Office (SAPO) has warned its customers that it is illegal for its staff or individuals to request a fee or receive preferential treatment to jump ahead in a queue.
“SAPO has become aware of instances where self-appointed queue marshals ask customers who visit their branches for a fee for a place in the front of the queue. Such practices are illegal,” said the Post Office’s Nobuhle Njapha
She advised customers not to pay the queue hopping fee demanded by SAPO employees, queue marshals or any other person requesting a payment.
“(They) should consider laying a charge of bribery and corruption at their nearest police station. There is close co-operation between the Post Office’s Security and Investigations Unit and the SA Police Services, and formal charges will help put a stop to this opportunistic and unethical behaviour,” she said.
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Njapha noted that the Post Office does not have jurisdiction over the behaviour of members of the public outside the Post Office’s property. If you are aware of postal crime, or a crime allegedly committed by an employee of the SA Post Office, report it to the Post Office’s toll-free crime-buster hotline on 0800 020 070. The caller has the option to remain anonymous.
“Recipients of the R350 Covid-19 relief fund do not have to visit their local post office every month,” she said. “They can choose to have their grant paid into a Postbank account, and use their Postbank card to access the grant. Speak to your local post office branch if you would like to arrange this.”
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