Umbilo college scam ‘under investigation’
As the academic year kicks off, prospective students are faced with multiple challenges, including shortage of space. Some resort to shortcuts in order to secure enrolment, however scammers are waiting to pounce on desperate youth seeking enrolment at tertiary institutions.
TWENTY-YEAR-OLD Zenani Ntuli is licking her wounds following a traumatic experience at the hands of a suspected scammer who posed as a liaison officer for an Umbilo-based college campus.
Ntuli had replied to a social media advert where prospective students were promised guaranteed placements at Thekwini TVET College, Umbilo Campus. Upon follow-up, Ntuli deposited the required R1400, as part payment for enrolment.
“I’m one of the people who were duped. I believed that the man worked at the college, as he promised me that my registration would be successful. He asked me to pay R1400 for registration, so I made the electronic payment. Soon after that, I found out he did not work for the college but he liaises with internal staff for this operation,” said Ntuli.
The suspected scammer was later arrested and detained at Umbilo SAPS and charged with fraud. Umbilo SAPS spokesperson, Captain Phumzile Biyana, confirmed the incident.
Also read: Police warn against ongoing online scam
“A 28-year-old man from Umlazi was arrested, following a case opened by a complainant with the help of EFF students from Thekwini TVET College. The suspect was detained and the matter is under investigation. Weeks later, the case was provisionally withdrawn, pending investigation,” said Biyana.
Ntuli has not given up her dream of studying business management but for now she waits to have her money refunded.
Thekwini TVET College responds:
“Thekwini TVET College is distancing itself from the bribery-for-space allegation done at Umbilo Campus. The management team is aware of this practice and is disappointed about it.
As part of community awareness campaigns, there are several social media posts where public is made aware about people who claim to provide learning spaces for them in this College. Public are informed to immediately alert the College if they experience such unethical behaviour. Internal investigations will be conducted and the necessary disciplinary actions will be implemented.”
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