Limpopo Man Busted for R15,000 Correctional Services Job Scam

A man who allegedly tricked a mother into paying for a fake government job has been arrested by Limpopo police, putting a spotlight on employment scams targeting desperate South Africans.

The 60-year-old suspect, Azwindini Gabriel Mugwari, reportedly impersonated an official from the Department of Correctional Services, promising a job for the woman’s son in exchange for R15,000. After months on the run, he was caught on April 29 in Sibasa, near Thohoyandou.

Fake Job Offer Leads to Costly Scam

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the arrest, revealing that Mugwari posed as a correctional services warder when he first approached the woman in September 2024. Claiming he could secure her son a position within the department, he requested an upfront payment.

The complainant initially handed over R3,500 in Sibasa, where she also gave him her son’s personal documents. Mugwari assured her that training would start soon.

Days later, the woman and her son met the suspect again at Thohoyandou police station, where they were asked to sign documents and pay an additional R7,000 in cash. The family grew suspicious after being informed that Mugwari was not affiliated with any government department.

Fraud Exposed and Arrest Made

Despite attempts to recover their money, Mugwari only returned R5,000 and claimed the rest was spent. After efforts to trace him failed, the victim filed a formal complaint, prompting swift action from the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit.

“When police arrested the suspect, he was in possession of a Correctional Services uniform,” Ledwaba said.

Mugwari appeared briefly in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on April 30 and is expected to return on May 2 for a formal bail hearing.

Police Warn Public Against Job Scams

Acting provincial commissioner Major General Samuel Manala applauded the anti-corruption team for their rapid response and issued a stern warning against employment-related scams.

“Community members must remain vigilant and report anyone demanding money in exchange for job offers,” he said.

Authorities continue to urge citizens to verify employment opportunities and avoid paying for job placements, which often turn out to be fraudulent.

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Sourced:Pretoria News

Picture: Jacques Nelles