TZANEEN – The Greater Tzaneen Municipality has warned residents and businesses to be on guard against a person allegedly impersonating Ward 16 Clr Collen Stoltz and offering municipal business contracts in exchange for payment.

According to the municipality, the individual is contacting members of the public using the cellphone number 068 686 6704 and identifying themselves as “Mafumo”, requesting money from unsuspecting residents and business owners.

The municipality said Stoltz has not authorised anyone to solicit money or offer contracts on his behalf.

How municipal contracts actually work

The municipality is reminding the public of how procurement is meant to function, stating that:

• Councillors do not award contracts or request payment from service providers directly.
• All procurement is handled through official Supply Chain Management processes.
• No legitimate municipal contract requires payment into a councillor’s or private individual’s bank account.
• Genuine procurement opportunities are advertised only through recognised municipal platforms.

Municipality urges caution

The municipality has urged residents and businesses not to make payments or share personal or company information with the individual involved.

According to the municipality, anyone who has already been contacted, or who has made a payment, should keep all messages, banking records and call logs, and report the matter to the police on 10111 or at their nearest police station.

Cases can also be reported to the Greater Tzaneen Municipality’s Anti-Fraud and Corruption Hotline on 0800 44 66 44.