Job scams target Transnet

A KwaZulu-Natal woman is wanted by police for allegedly duping elderly people out of over R72,000 in exchange for employment at Transnet. Hoax recruitment adverts are also circulating on social media.

It has been alleged that a woman who is in her mid to late 30s, conned people at casinos in Empangeni, in northern KwaZulu-Natal, that if they gave her R12,000 she would be able to get their child or grandchild a job at Transnet Port Terminal.

Investigating officer, warrant officer Calvin Vandayar, said the woman claims to be an employee of Transnet’s recruitment department.

“She approached vulnerable people, mainly at casinos, promising jobs. It appears she has been defrauding people since 2013. People would deposit the R12,000 into her account and never hear from her again,” said Vandayar.

He said the woman, who is believed to be from Ulundi, had approached people in Empangeni, Vryheid and Ulundi.

“A case of fraud is being investigated,” said Vandayar.

Transnet Port Terminals chief executive, Karl Socikwa, said the company did not require job applicants to pay money when applying for employment with Transnet.

He also warned against hoax recruitment adverts currently circulating on social media that call for job applications at Transnet.

“Transnet Portnet Terminals categorically states that these adverts have not been issued by the company and advises the public to not respond to the adverts or pay any money if requested.

“The positions according to the advert are available in all ports where Transnet has operations. The reference number given in the advert for the alleged vacant positions has not been issued by Transnet,” said Socikwa.