MEC Shongwe calls on the youth not to fall for job scams

Two young people fell victim to a scam conducted by a certain woman who claimed to be a traffic officer at the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL).

In a statement, the DCSSL’s MEC, Vusi Shongwe, encouraged jobseekers to not fall victim to fraudsters impersonating government officials. Shongwe said that some fraudsters demand money from desperate unemployed young people in exchange for jobs or internships.

ALSO READ: Alleged Rob Ferreira Hospital job scammer to appear in court

Two youngsters went to the department’s offices claiming that the “traffic officer” had swindled them out of nearly R4 000 so that she could facilitate their enrolment into the department’s Traffic Learnership Programme.

“The suspect has reportedly created a Facebook account on which she lures unsuspecting people by promising them to assist with fast-tracking their Bongekile Khumalo applications into these learnerships,” Shongwe said.

The jobseekers went to the department on Monday April 4, alleging that they had begun communicating with the “traffic officer” two months ago. She told them to come to Mbombela on Sunday April 3 to start training as traffic officers the next day.

ALSO READ: Alleged job scammer arrested at Rob Ferreira hospital

The two stayed overnight at their own cost and brought the matter to the department as soon they were made aware. The MEC advised, “We should not allow ourselves to be tricked into paying money for government work or internships, because there is no requirement for such.

“Applicants must follow the instructions clearly stated in the advertisements to avoid being taken advantage of.” The department placed an advertisement in the media towards the end of January this year, inviting young people to the traffic learnership. “The process for finalising the enrolment in the programme is currently under way,” Shongwe said.