The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT) warns members of the public, particularly service providers and businesspeople, about an alleged scam involving an individual impersonating the MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Mr Thulasizwe Thomo, to solicit and extort money.
The Department has received information about an individual reportedly using the cellphone number 071 753 0033 to contact service providers while falsely claiming to be MEC Thomo. The individual allegedly uses the company name MR. TAUYATSWALA (Pty) Ltd and the following Standard Bank account details to solicit payments:
- Company name: Mr. TAUYATSWALA (Pty) Ltd
- Bank: Standard Bank
- Reported cellphone number: 071 753 0033
The Department wishes to make it unequivocally clear that service providers must exercise extreme caution and verify any suspicious requests for money purportedly made on behalf of the MEC or the Department. Members of the public are urged not to transfer money or provide financial information in response to unsolicited calls, messages or demands from individuals claiming to represent the MEC.
MEC Thulasizwe Thomo has distanced himself from these alleged activities and will be laying a criminal charge in connection with the matter, including against the alleged owner of the bank account, to enable the law-enforcement authorities to investigate and establish the facts.
The Department strongly condemns the alleged exploitation of the MEC’s name and public office to solicit money from unsuspecting service providers. Such conduct, if proven, undermines public trust and will be dealt with through the appropriate legal channels.
Service providers and members of the public who have been contacted by the individual or who may have fallen victim to this alleged scam are urged to report the matter to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and provide any relevant information or evidence to assist with the investigation. Anyone who has already made a payment should promptly contact their bank and report the transaction to SAPS.
The Department further reminds all stakeholders that no individual should be pressured into making payments based on claims of influence, promises of departmental business or requests allegedly made by the MEC. Any suspicious communication should be independently verified through the Department’s official communication channels.
The Department remains committed to transparency, accountability and protecting members of the public from fraudulent activities. It calls on all service providers to remain vigilant and to report suspected fraud without delay.
ENDS...
For more information please contact Mr Bongani Dhlamini on 079 293 6515