Victims of a jobs-for-cash scam urged to assist with investigations
The Gauteng Department of Health has urged community members who have been promised a job in a public hospital or clinic to come forward and assist in its investigations into the scam.
Spokesperson for the Health MEC Kwara Kekana said the scam involved members of a syndicate that approached job applicants who then provided blank employment contracts.
Kekana said these contracts were sent using an email address claiming to be that of the Gauteng Department of Health.
“To an unsuspecting eye, these contracts look legitimate until further scrutinising the content more closely. The contract is presented as a blank document containing an incorrect date stamp.”
She said these applicants were deceived into believing that the syndicate was an official member of the department and the contract was genuine.
“The syndicate uses this to their advantage and requests a sum of R2 500 prior to issuing the contract,” Kekana said.
“The Department’s Governance Risk and Compliance Directorate has made progress in the investigation of this scam, and has been able to trace the bank account, which has since been closed. However, it needs further information to open a case and bring those behind the scam to book.”
Kekana said to arrange for a meeting, residents could kindly send an email or call Advocate Jaylan Chetty on 061-474-5714 or email jaylan.chetty@gauteng.gov.za.
“It should be noted the department advertises vacancies through appropriate and trustworthy channels such as the Gauteng online portal, Department of Public Service and Administration website, Department of Health website and national newspapers.”
She said furthermore, employment application forms at hospitals and clinics were dropped in designated boxes which were processed by human resources personnel as per procedures.
“Anyone approached and promised a job in exchange for money should immediately report it to the SAPS so perpetrators are brought to justice.”
The public can also report suspicious activities to the Gauteng Provincial Government Public Liaison hotline on 08600-11000 or the Vuvuzela hotline on 012-664-5568 or fax to 012-664-0307 or email office@thehotline.co.za. For further information go to the website at www.thehotline.co.za.
Read original story on rekordeast.co.za
