Organisations, like The Salvation Army, have built their brand on deeds and not speech and while this receives international commendation; it also provides as an opportune bandwagon for criminals to climb on.

Resourceful individuals have been using the Salvation Army’s name to garner donations from the public and these young men have been operating in KwaZulu-Natal Midlands areas and fraudulently representing the organisation.

In a press alert issued, the non-profit organisation’s Public Relations Secretary Major Carin Holmes said that: “The five young men have obtained uniforms of a well-known church, are piggy-backing on its good name by pocketing donations made to The Salvation Army.”

“The modus operandi of the gang is to visit these outlets, claiming they are there to collect food and donations on behalf of The Salvation Army. They then disappear with their booty,” she added.

Major Naomi Malinga, commanding officer of the corps, says she fears that the young men may use their uniforms to hoodwink other people. The youngsters are known to the corps, having previously stayed at the Musawenkosi Home for Boys at Madadeni and were supposedly worshipping with The Salvation Army corps.

Public Relations Secretary, Major Carin Holmes said: “Anyone collecting on our behalf must have a permit issued by us, and their tins must be locked. It is extremely annoying and distressing when people use our good name and the good work that we do for their own benefit.”

If you are aware of any suspicious activity, please contact your local police station or Major Malinga on 034 982 3113.
A case has been opened with police.