Eastern Cape residents have been warned to be vigilant against bogus police who demand money in exchange for being offered police trainee positions.
The scammers have targeted those who have applied for entry-level employment posts in the police and those still looking for jobs within the ranks.
According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, residents from East London and Qonce received calls from a bogus police officer who promised them entry-level jobs as trainees.
“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 the local shopping places.”
Mawisa said some complainants had taken a a bus from KwaZulu-Natal to Qonce as they were promised to commence their training at SAPS Bhisho Academy.
“SAPS wishes to put the record straight regarding its standpoint on the police trainees’ recruitment drive,” Mawisa said.
“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.”
She encouraged victims to report the matter immediately to their nearest police station.
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