KNP warns against false representation

MALELANE – A mystery job-offering email is circulating the web claiming to be from the South African National Parks (SANParks).

The email is circulating from an address krugernparks@gmail.com with a job application form that has a SANParks logo attached.

According to William Mabasa, general manager of communications and marketing, the source is sending an email urging recipients to apply for a job in the Kruger National Park (KNP), giving them specific details of where and when in the park the field training would take place, if one were selected.

“The concern is that the email states that the successful candidates would need to pay a rental fee of R600 which includes breakfast and supper.

We would like to warn the public to be on the look-out for people claiming to represent SANParks, in particular the KNP, by offering job opportunities.

SANParks has its own established channels in place for dealing with recruitment and placement at no charge,” said Mabasa.

According to SANParks these fraudulent sources do not address the email recipient by name nor provide their contact details like residential address, telephone number, business registration number except the email address krugernparks@gmail.com, to which the candidates should submit the required documents, including proof of payment.

This scam comes at a time when the park is in the process of selecting and training 122 security guards.

“Those who apply for any advertised position in the park and are successful should please note that they will be contacted only by relevant HR officials who will identify themselves via telephone, and not email,” said Mabasa.

To verify issues of employment in the KNP, the public can call 013-735-4127 and ask to speak to the HR helpdesk official.

Mabasa further warned everybody to check the credentials of the person who claim to be SANParks/KNP before contributing anything of monetary value to them.