Pikitup is warning residents not to offer any gifts or donations to their employees or individuals posing as Pikitup employees during the festive season.
This comes after 10 people, including three Pikitup employees, were arrested recently on charges of fraud and misrepresentation. The three employees are stationed at various depots and will face internal disciplinary action. Two men who wore Pikitup uniforms were arrested in Mondeor after they had been questioned by a Community Policing Forum (CPF) member. One of them was in possession of a fake identification card and a forged company letter granting them permission to ask residents for donations.
The Pikitup Acting Chief Operations Officer, Mzu Tshem said the utility’s employees are aware of the fact that the organisation does not allow staff members to ask or accept Christmas gifts from residents.
“Workers are reminded on a regular basis to refrain from asking Christmas donations from residents and that any staff member found doing this will face disciplinary action,” Tshem said.
Residents should not give in to Pikitup employees asking a Christmas box. This tradition – as seen from recent events – offers criminal elements the opportunity to defraud residents from their hard-earned money.
According to the company, residents are under no obligation to offer any gifts or donations to the refuse collection staff, as they each receive a bonus at the end of the year. Imposters and staff who approach or harass residents, should be reported.
Residents should report any irregular or suspicious behaviour to their CPF members, the police or the Joburg Connect Call Centre on 0860 562 874.
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