Online scam preys on Health Department job seekers

POLOKWANE – People are warned not to fall prey to shameless scammers who are currently operating in the province promising people jobs at the Seshego Hospital.
It is alleged a man by the name Magabane posted a number of vacancies on the Department of Health Limpopo website and requests interested candidates to fax their resumes to his private fax stating which position they are interested in.
After forwarding the requested documents, Magabane then asks for R1 000 from applicants to secure their positions. Two women from North West had to return home empty handed without their money and the jobs they were promised because the scammers did not pitch at the Seshego Hospital as per their initial agreement. The women, Venus Mahlatsi and Mantana Maila, explained they faxed their documents to Magabane and he told them to come to the hospital to sign contracts and start in their respective positions.
Mahlatsi said the scammer requested them to transfer the money via money market and give him the pin before he could meet with them. She added they did not transfer the money but rather told him to come collect it in person and bring the contracts for them to sign.
“Magabane did not answer our calls so we went into the hospital to ask about the vacancies and to our surprise we were told there were no vacancies. The hospital personnel also confirmed there was no one by the surname Magabane working at the hospital,” Mahlatsi continued.
She said they spent approximately R550 to come to Polokwane with the aim to get a job only to have their dreams shattered. Maila said the positions were advertised online but were later removed which is when they started to get suspicious.
She said they were elated at the prospect their families would no longer live in poverty and due to this they were duped by the scam and she urged others to be extra vigilant so they don’t fall victim as well.
Seshego Hospital Communication Officer, Edgar Mashitisho, confirmed two women came to the hospital and asked about the vacancies. He added a woman from Mokopane was almost caught by the same scam, fortunately she checked with the hospital about the vacancies before transferring the money.
“We don’t have vacancies and when we do the positions are advertised on the Department of Health circular and are published in various newspapers. Our vacancies always have a reference number and applications have to be done using a Z83 form,” Mashitisho explained.
The Department of Health Spokesperson, Derick Kganyago, said they are aware of the scam and they are working tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to book. He added government vacancies are not for sale and urged people to confirm with the department whether the advertised posts are valid.
BONUS contacted the alleged scammer and we were told to fax our Curriculum Vitae and pay R500, which is apparently for the agency he works for, and another R500 for the recommendation letter. After Magabane was told that we were working for the newspaper, he changed the subject and said he did not know anyone called Magabane. He said his real name was Justice Nyalungu and that he worked at the Seshego Hospital, but Mashitisho confirmed there was no one by that name employed at the hospital.
endy@nmgroup.co.za