WATCH: MMC Mabaso opens a case of fraud against impersonators
The matter has been reported to Group Forensic Investigating Services, which is currently investigating.
The MMC for Housing in the City of Joburg, councillor Mlungisi Mabaso, opened a case of fraud on July 9, following fake social media accounts opened in his name and the Department of Housing.
The perpetrators have also registered a cellphone number fraudulently, in which money is being extorted from vulnerable citizens. The case was opened at Central Police Station.
In the Facebook account named ‘Mlungisi Mabaso Mmc Cllr’, the imposters are inviting members of the public who have applied for RDP houses from 1996 to 2000 to inbox their details to the account.
“The department and I, in both my capacity as the MMC and an ordinary citizen, wish to dispel any existence of the account, as it is a scam. The department nor I will use non-existent accounts or WhatsApp to send information relating to housing.
“As if that is enough, a cellphone number (066 194 7515) is registered on Truecaller as ‘Mmc Of Housing M Mabaso’. I would like to state that I do not own this number, nor have I registered it under RICA in my name. This number, which has been registered fraudulently, has extorted money from vulnerable citizens. I, therefore, urge the public to refrain from entertaining it.
“The department has one official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. The ongoing fake accounts are created by individuals who are capitalising on people’s vulnerability of seeking houses. There are two accounts claiming to belong to the department, all of which are Facebook accounts.
“The use of social media is to send public notices and statements across and advise on the events the department is conducting or has conducted. The department shies itself from fake social media posts, encouraging people to pay money to secure houses. Residents are encouraged to enquire from their regional housing offices or head office about circulating messages related to housing.
“I further urge residents to report any form of criminal acts, be it on social media or otherwise. The matter has been reported to Group Forensic Investigating Services, which is currently investigating. The perpetrators will be brought to book and will face the full might of the law,” explained Mabaso.
