The department of public works and infrastructure‘s name was used in fraudulent orders around Gauteng.

Department spokesperson Thamsanqa Mchunu said the fraudsters – that have been lying low for some time – have started again to target unsuspecting service providers around Johannesburg and Pretoria.

“They use the department letterhead and real names of officials working in the department to invite service providers to deliver goods at government offices or some other locations.”

Mchunu said these goods then disappeared mysteriously in the hands of criminals, leaving victims in huge debts.

“They use DPWI information along with that of the provincial department of public works and infrastructure in Gauteng to try and confuse their victims.

“In their tricks of trying to defraud service providers, they miss important information that gives them away but for those unsuspecting individuals, it is easy for them to fall prey to the scam.”

Mchunu said the DPWI would never send a request to an individual service provider or group of service providers without following the proper supply chain management processes.

“Under these circumstances, the public is warned to verify any correspondence they receive in the name of DPWI that request them to deliver large amounts of goods out of the blue without prior advertising.

“Potential service providers who have done business with the department would know the right procedure and where to go when in doubt.”

Mchunu distanced the DPWI management and staff “from these fraudulent activities and would like to encourage the public to be alert to this scam”.

To verify the authenticity of any requests for services, the public can contact the following officials:

Mr Matomo Mabotja
Telephone: 012-406-1328
Email: Matomo.mabotja@dpw.gov.za
Mr Lesole Matsotso
Telephone: 012-406-1439
Email: Lesole.matsotso@dpw.gov.za

Anti-corruption unit
Telephone: 012-406-1328