Alfred Duma Local Municipality has issued an urgent warning to residents about a fraudulent employment scam in which individuals falsely claim to be municipal Human Resources (HR) officials and demand money in exchange for employment opportunities.

Reports have been received that members of the community are being approached by scammers promising municipal jobs.

In one reported case, a prospective applicant was allegedly instructed to pay R5000 to secure employment after undergoing a medical examination.

Scammers impersonating municipal officials

The perpetrators allegedly present themselves as municipal officials or individuals with influence over the municipality’s recruitment processes.

One such person has identified themselves as Mr Jele. The municipality has confirmed that no such person exists within its HR section.

The municipality emphasises that it does not offer employment in exchange for money, and does not charge any fee at any stage of its recruitment and selection processes.

Any request for payment in return for a municipal job should therefore be treated as fraudulent.

Residents urged to stay alert

The municipality says that employment opportunities are advertised through official channels and filled through fair, transparent and lawful recruitment processes.

No employee, official, councillor or representative of the municipality is authorised to solicit or receive money in exchange for employment.

Residents are urged to:

1. Not pay any money to secure employment with the municipality;
2. Not deposit funds into any private bank account to obtain a municipal job;
3. Verify all job-related information directly with Alfred Duma Local Municipality through its official communication channels;
4. Never share personal information, banking details, copies of certificates, identity documents or other sensitive information with unknown individuals;
5. Report any suspicious approaches or requests for payment, immediately.

Report suspected fraud

The municipality encourages anyone who has been approached by scammers, or who may have already made a payment, to report the matter without delay to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Reporting these incidents is crucial in assisting law enforcement agencies to identify, investigate and prosecute those responsible.

Alfred Duma Local Municipality remains committed to transparent recruitment practices and protecting residents from fraudulent schemes.

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