Mpumalanga Safety MEC: Fraudsters Targeting Crime Prevention Wardens Applicants

• Mpumalanga’s Community Safety, Security and Liason Department has warned prospective jobseekers against scammers
• MEC Jackie Macie emphasised that legit government employees would not make job applicants pay to be shortlisted
• He was reacting to allegations of an individual advising those looking to be employed as Crime Prevention Wardens to visit a particular police station

Zingisa Chirwa is an experienced Briefly News journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, who has covered Mpumalanga crime and current affairs on the radio for over 15 years.

Mpumalanga’s Safety MEC has warned citizens interested in becoming Crime Prevention Wardens (CPWs) to fear scammers.

MP CPW applications closed

Jackie Macie reiterated that the department or its officials would not exchange money for jobs. Macie was reacting to a widely circulated voice note cautioning applicants about an individual who claimed that those wanting the CPW posts must go to a particular police station to be selected.

Read also

Eastern Cape mourns initiates' deaths, calls for legal circumcision practices

Macie said his department advertised 1,200 warden positions on 7 July 2024, and the closing date was 19 July 2024. He further explained that shortlisted candidates would be contacted from a government landline number:

"Government jobs, internships, and leadership are not for sale... We therefore appeal to prospective job seekers not to make themselves vulnerable to those opportunistic vultures who take advantage of desperate job seekers.”

Netizens call for crackdown on scammers

Scores of Facebook users urged the SAPS to prioritise busting scammers

Ganyani Rinono said:

“People are taking advantage of youth cause they see how desperate they are for jobs.”

Thabo Matsoso added:

“Scammers always using the profile, even the profile of the police, and we don't know even now if you are really a police page.”

Modise Samuel advised:

Read also

Gauteng Health Department partners with private labs amid NHLS security breach

“Use those numbers and websites to nab these thugs. Set up a sting operation please.”

Ryan Charl Dirks pointed out:

“This is one of the crimes that you need to address "cybercrime" and make it a priority.”

Lee Roy explained:

“We are waiting for the post. We are unemployed and desperate.”

DJ Tira cautions people against scammers

In related Briefly News, Afrotainment boss DJ Tira warned people about scammers using his company's name for personal gain.

DJ Tira urged people to avoid sharing their banking details before Durban in July.

He said everybody wants a piece of the pie and would do anything to get money.

Source: Briefly News