THE police have issued a warning after an increasing number of incidents where individuals impersonating police officers have gone around soliciting donations from the public.

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In one of the instances, an unsuspecting member of the public would receive a letter with a South African Police Service letterhead, via WhatsApp or email, asking for a donation on behalf of the police. It says the funds would be used to by for a feeding scheme feeding the needy.

In response, the police said they do not request donations via phone, WhatsApp, or other messages, nor do they ask for bank details to be provided for deposits.

“Scammers frequently impersonate police officers through phone calls and messages, often to demand money or personal information, and members of the public should ignore all such contact and not provide any information,” read a statement.

In another recent incident, an elderly Amanzimtoti couple was allegedly scammed by a man who identified himself as Detective Simon Ziphakamise Chiliza. The husband, who asked to remain anonymous, said he and his wife were sitting on their veranda when the man walked up their stairs and gave them a sob story about having locked his keys in his car and needing to get to his office in Pinetown for the spare key.

“He told us that he had to get his wife to the hospital urgently. He borrowed R350 from me and keeps making promises to pay,” said the man.

The SUN has seen WhatsApp messages between the two where Chiliza promises to pay, as well as a copy of his ID, which he allowed to be photographed before he was given the money. A fraud case could not be opened at the Amanzimtoti police station as the money had been exchanged voluntarily. His face cannot be shown because there is no case against him.

What to do if you receive a suspicious message or call:
• Do not respond – Do not engage with the caller or message.
• Do not share information – Never provide personal details, including ID numbers, addresses, or banking information.
• Do not make payments – Do not send any money, as legitimate fees are paid in person at a police station with a receipt.
• Verify independently – If you are concerned, hang up and call your local police station directly using a verified number.
• Report the incident to Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or at the nearest police station.

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