Police warn against R15,000 WhatsApp police job scam using senior officer’s photo

KwaZulu‑Natal police have issued an urgent warning after fraudsters used the image of a senior South African Police Service officer to lure job seekers into paying for fake police employment.

How the scam works

Police said scammers are sending WhatsApp messages that purport to offer employment in the South African Police Service. The messages use the profile picture of KZN Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Corporate Services Major General (Dr) SB Ngcobo.

Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza described the scammers’ modus operandi:

“The scammers will immediately forward an application form to the prospective victim. The scammers demand R15 000 for the purported employment opportunity. Victims are, however, instructed to pay a deposit of R7 500, with the balance payable upon signing employment papers.”

Police warning and advice

Magwaza urged the public to be vigilant and to report such WhatsApp messages to the nearest police station. He emphasised:

“Nobody should be asked to pay to get employed in the police; whoever is doing so is committing a crime.”

Related policing action

The article also reports a separate incident in Gauteng last month in which police arrested ten suspects following a shootout in Cleveland, Johannesburg. Officers had pursued a suspicious Hyundai H100 fitted with blue lights and a siren; the pursuit led to an exchange of gunfire, the fatal shooting of one suspect and the recovery of firearms, magazines and ammunition.

What readers should do

• Ignore and do not respond to WhatsApp messages offering police jobs that request payment.
• Report any suspicious job offers or requests for payment to your nearest police station.