Job scam alert: KZN job seekers lured to Eastern Cape with false police training promises
Durban — The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned job seekers about fake jobs after hopefuls, including those from KwaZulu-Natal, travelled to King Williams Town, Eastern Cape after being promised training at the SAPS Bhisho Academy.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said: “The South African police management is issuing a warning to all members of the public to be vigilant against bogus police who demand money in exchange for being offered a job as a police trainee,” Mawisa said.
“The scammers always target those who have applied for entry-level employment posts in the police and/or are still looking for jobs within SAPS.”
Mawisa explained that according to information, the public around the areas of East London and King Williams Town received calls from a bogus police officer who promised them entry-level trainee jobs.
“The bogus police officer demanded a sum of R3 000 or R5 000 from unemployed prospective police trainees in exchange for employment in the police. However, SAPS employment offers do not require any payment. It is believed that some of the victims of this scam have already paid this money through transfers in local shopping places.”
Mawisa continued: “SAPS has already witnessed where some complainants embarked on a bus from the province of KwaZulu-Natal to King Williams Town as they were promised to commence their training at SAPS Bhisho Academy.”
She said that as soon as there are any vacancies in the organisation, posts are advertised through credible and recognised official communication platforms, which include advertisements in the newspapers and SAPS official social media, respectively.
“Furthermore, the SAPS would like to remind the public that we DO NOT advertise any posts via SMSs. Applicants and parents must refuse to be subjected to this kind of scam and report the matter immediately to the nearest police station. Application forms and SAPS employment are available for free at all police stations,” Mawisa added.
Meanwhile, last week, on its Facebook page, SAPS said there were numerous fake advertisements on different social media platforms and websites advertising police trainee positions in the SAPS.
“There is NO police trainees intake for now,” SAPS said.
“Be sure to stay connected with us to keep track of any vacancy advertisements. Regularly refer to our official, verified social media platforms and the SAPS website’s career page https://www.saps.gov.za/careers/careers.php
“SAPS application forms are not for sale. Never pay to apply.”
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