Pikitup jobs scammers nabbed
The three female suspects were arrested in Protea North, Soweto, on May 7.
Three female suspects appeared in the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning (May 10) following their arrest on Friday.
It is alleged the suspects pretended to be Pikitup employees and ordered unsuspecting victims to pay R600 for three months’ contract jobs and R5 000 for permanent jobs.
The total amount paid by the victims is estimated at R400 000. Few individuals were employed temporarily and no one was employed permanently.
The SAPS, working with the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS), pounced on the suspects while they were addressing their victims in Protea North, Soweto.
Two registers were seized from one of the suspects, with the list of all victims who paid money for the jobs.
Lucky Sindane, the director of strategic stakeholder management at GFIS, said they will be working with law enforcement agencies to investigate if the job scam has not been going on for years.
“Corruption has no place in the City of Johannesburg. The City will work tirelessly and in collaboration with justice institutions such as the Hawks to ensure it is eradicated and that residents of Johannesburg receive the quality services they deserve.
“Residents are encouraged to report any fraud and corruption activities through our 24-hour tip-off hotline 0800 002 587 or visit the GFIS offices situated at 48 Ameshoff Street in Braamfontein,” he said.
