Municipality warns of latest tender scam

Mogale City’s Finance Division is cautioning potential service providers of a business opportunity scam.

Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) communication officer Refilwe Mahlangu said in the latest scam, service providers bid for municipal work as per an advertised Request for Proposals (RFQs) or tenders are asked for monies for the awarding of a tender or contract after having submitted a bid for municipal business, however, they are unaware that this is a scam.

She said the scammer is going by the name of David Mogashwa, who is calling on and misleading unsuspecting service providers using a 079 461 1263 mobile number, which also appears on call identification apps as registered under MCLM.

“Bidders and businesses are misled into believing that as a municipal employer, he can assist with the awarding of business if and when monies are paid to him,” said Mahlangu.

The municipality therefore wishes to caution businesses against falling prey to such scams and continue to emphasise that:

• The awarding of business is concluded through formal, financial management act-complying and transparent processes
• The said person, David Mogashwa, is not an employee of the municipality and has no relation with Mogale City
• That stringent Supply Chain Management policy principles are applied with the awarding of Tenders, RFQs, or any municipal business unswayed by individuals as claimed by the scammer
• Mogale City does not request upfront payments for the awarding of business, jobs, land, RDP homes and property, or any other municipal product offerings
• The business sector is therefore advised that if they suspect to have received any fraudulent communication or requests from the municipality or have been approached by the said individual who attempts to solicit a fee using the Mogale City name and/ or brand, please do not co-operate

“We urge you to contact the nearest police station.”