Local news

RNM mayor’s cellphone SIM card cloned – beware scam messages

Any enquiries meant for the mayor can be directed to Simon April’s number or to the mayor’s office.

October 18, 2022
Shona Aylward 1 minute read
Councillor Sikhumbuzo Zero Mqadi.

Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Mayor Councillor Sikhumbuzo Zero Mqadi has had his cellphone SIM card cloned.

The culprit is using his WhatsApp number to solicit funds from his contacts by either promising tenders or asking for advance funding on an urgent basis.

RNM spokesman Simon April warned anyone who receives a WhatsApp message from the mayor ’s cellphone number requesting for money that’s it’s a scam.

“Above that, there is no way that the mayor can promise people tenders in exchange of monies as he is not part of any tender awarding process. The mayor can neither request a loan or any form of advance funds for any reasons,” said April.

When the matter was detected, it was reported to and attended by the relevant cellphone provider.

However the mayor’s WhatsApp has continued to be hacked, going on for more than seven days now.

The service provider has indicated that it is unable to immediately stop or block this criminality but has promised to do so as soon as possible.

This means the mayor’s number is currently not available.

Any enquiries meant for the mayor can be directed to April’s number or to the mayor’s office on on 039 6882002.

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At Caxton, every story is written by humans. We use AI only to perform quality checks - never to generate the news. Happy reading!
October 18, 2022
Shona Aylward 1 minute read

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shonaaylward

Shona Aylward is a vastly experienced journalist working as a senior reporter. Aside from her extensive community involvement and story writing, she is also involved in creative page layout, and the various media platforms. Shona began her career with Caxton at the Southlands Sun. Previous to this she worked in the marketing industry for surf magazines. Shona is a renown 'greenie' and champions environmental causes. She is also Mom to a number of dogs and cats, and the occasional uninvited snake. When she can find some spare time, it's usually to the beach that she heads.
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