Arrest of Trio Posing as Municipal Officials Offering Fake Jobs Welcomed

Emfuleni Local Municipality’s Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Works, Cllr. Tumi Mochawe, has welcomed the swift arrest of three individuals who posed as municipal officials to offer fake jobs to unsuspecting residents.

The trio was recently apprehended by the Hawks’ serious crime investigation unit based in the Vaal, following a complaint from the municipality about fraudulent job offers circulating on social media.

The suspects had been using fake Facebook and WhatsApp accounts, displaying MMC Mochawe’s photo to deceive residents into believing they were in contact with his office.

They further instructed victims to deposit money into a fraudulent bank account, promising employment in return.

“This arrest sends a strong message to criminals who seek to exploit vulnerable members of our community. We are grateful to the Hawks for acting swiftly to stop these fraudsters,” said MMC Mochawe.

Emfuleni Municipality has a long-standing history of governance challenges, including maladministration and financial mismanagement, which have previously left it vulnerable to exploitation.

These fake job schemes have added to the municipality’s struggles by damaging its reputation further.

Over the years, there have been various instances of corruption and fraud within the municipality, exacerbating the frustration of residents who already face service delivery challenges.

MMC Mochawe emphasized the importance of vigilance. “I urge the public to be cautious and verify any job advertisements through official channels, such as the municipality’s website or recognized media outlets,” he said.

The municipality reiterated that no payments should ever be made to secure employment within Emfuleni. “This should serve as a warning to all fraudsters. We will continue working with law enforcement to root out such criminal activities,” Mochawe concluded.

The investigation remains ongoing.