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Watch out for scammers

Residents in eMalahleni have lost a great deal of money after a scammer disappeared with their cash.

Residents are warned about another set of scams doing the rounds on social media offering shortcuts for driver’s licences, renewals, and vehicle registrations.


The alleged scammer’s message reads: “No driving school lessons, no examination test, WhatsApp for driver’s licences and renewals.”


Unsuspecting families fell into the trap after paying R1 500 each for learner’s licences.


A woman who reached out to the alleged scammer to help her son get his learner’s licence said she was furious because the man did not hold up his end of the bargain.

Read more Beware online scams: Witbank SAPS urges vigilance after multiple fraud cases


“I have contacted the man on several occasions, but soon realised that he took us for a ride,” said the woman, who wished to remain anonymous.


Altogether, she and her friends lost R4 500.


The public is once again reminded that it is impossible to legally obtain or renew driver’s licences, Professional Driving Permit (PDP), or vehicle registrations without following official Department of Transport and Driver’s Licence Testing Centre procedures.

Read more Alleged scammer accuses victim of stealing to escape with iPhone


Warrant Officer David Ratau from Witbank SAPS said people must be wary of scammers demanding upfront cash payments to bypass official procedures.


Pastor Marius Louwrens, who stepped in to help with driver’s and learner’s licence applications, said that since the main licensing office closed in eMalahleni, they have been taking people to Bronkhorstspruit.


For more information, contact Louwrens on 076 383 6511.

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Zita Goldswain

News Editor at the Witbank News Caxton stable. Witbank News has been my ‘home’ for the past 24 years. Journalism is the ability to meet the challenge of filling the space true words said by Rebecca West. I meet challenges, get the better of them and fill space with true words.
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