Hawks warn of scammers targeting government officials in Mpumalanga
The warning comes after incidents in which suspects targeted employees from different government departments, alleging to have warrants of arrest issued against them.
The Hawks in Mpumalanga have warned members of the public about bogus Hawks officers who claim to be attached to the head office of the directorate.
The spokesperson of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, said the suspects target civil servants from different government departments, providing them with fraudulent documents and alleging that warrants of arrest have been issued against them.
“The suspects demand to meet with them regarding ongoing investigations and demand money as gratification to ensure that the non-existent cases are withdrawn against the victims. They usually present a fraudulent warrant of arrest, stating charges of fraud, maladministration, nepotism and/or theft.”
Sekgotodi said several fraudulent letters displaying the Hawks’ logo were sent to victims.
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“The letters contain incorrect and improper writing formats which are not consistent with our official correspondence.”
She said there are no members of the Hawks who will call or send anyone documents demanding money in order to withdraw charges or make legitimate cases disappear.
“Any person who receives such demands is requested to report the matter to the nearest police station or contact the Hawks directly.”
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An email can be sent to the Hawks serious corruption investigation commander, Brigadier Frans Ramakgoakgoa, via email ramakgoakgoa@saps.gov.za, or to the provincial head, Major General Nicholas Gerber, via gerbernj@saps.gov.za.
