The South African Police Management has issued a warning to members of the public to be vigilant against scammers who demand money in exchange for being offered a job as a police trainee.
According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, the scammers are targeting people who have applied for entry-level employment posts in the police and/or are still looking for jobs within the SAPS.
“Members of the public around the areas of East London and King William’s Town have received calls from a bogus police officer who promised them jobs at entry level as trainees. The bogus police officer demanded a sum of R3000 or R5000 from unemployed prospective police trainees in exchange for employment in the police,” said Lt Col Mawisa.
“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.
“SAPS has already witnessed where some complainants,” he said.
People from KwaZulu-Natal travelled by bus to King William’s Town as they were promised to commence their training at SAPS Bhisho Academy.
“SAPS wishes to put the record straight regarding its standpoint on police trainees’ recruitment drive. 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.
“Furthermore, the SAPS would like to remind the public that we do not advertise any posts via SMS. 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,” concluded Lt Col Mawisa.
