Key Takeaways
- The Tshwane MMC for roads and transport, Tlangi Mogale, has warned residents against accepting assistance from "runners" at municipal licensing centres, as they are scamming members of the public and issuing fake documents.
- A man was allegedly defrauded of over R5,000 by a runner who claimed to assist him at a licensing department but provided him with fraudulent paperwork.
- Mogale has urged residents to access services themselves and seek assistance only from authorized city officials.
- The city has taken steps to improve service delivery during the busy compliance period, including extending operating hours until December 24.
Introduction to the Scam
The Tshwane MMC for roads and transport, Tlangi Mogale, has issued a warning to residents to be cautious when visiting municipal licensing centres. According to Mogale, "runners" are lurking outside these facilities, offering to assist members of the public with their transactions. However, these individuals are scamming people and issuing fake documents. In a recent incident, a man was allegedly defrauded of over R5,000 by one of these runners. The man had paid the runner to assist him with a transaction at the licensing department, but the documents he received were fraudulent.
The Warning from Tlangi Mogale
Mogale has taken to social media to warn residents about the dangers of accepting assistance from these runners. In a video posted online, she addressed residents at the Akasia licensing centre, cautioning them against handing over personal documents to people loitering outside the facility. Mogale stressed that residents must access services themselves and seek assistance only from authorized city officials. She also warned security personnel that runners would no longer be tolerated inside municipal facilities, stating that they are "stealing money from our people and producing fake documents." Mogale’s warning comes as a reminder to residents to be vigilant and avoid anyone falsely claiming to work for the municipality.
The Consequences of Dealing with Runners
The man who was scammed by the runner discovered that the documents he had received were fake when he later attempted to complete a change of ownership for a vehicle. The documents did not appear in the system, leaving the man with a significant financial loss. This incident highlights the importance of being cautious when dealing with individuals who offer to assist with transactions at municipal licensing centres. Mogale’s warning serves as a reminder to residents to prioritize their safety and security when accessing municipal services. By being aware of the risks associated with dealing with runners, residents can take steps to protect themselves and avoid falling victim to scams.
Improving Service Delivery
In an effort to improve service delivery, the city has taken steps to accommodate the increased demand for services during the busy compliance period. Mogale announced that operating hours have been extended, and offices will be open until December 24. This move is intended to respond to the increased number of service requests at licensing departments. By extending operating hours, the city hopes to reduce wait times and make it easier for residents to access the services they need. Mogale’s efforts to improve service delivery demonstrate her commitment to providing residents with efficient and effective services.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the warning issued by Tlangi Mogale serves as a reminder to residents to be cautious when visiting municipal licensing centres. The presence of runners who scam members of the public and issue fake documents is a significant concern, and residents must take steps to protect themselves. By being aware of the risks and taking precautions, residents can avoid falling victim to scams and ensure that they receive legitimate services from authorized city officials. The city’s efforts to improve service delivery, including extending operating hours, demonstrate a commitment to providing residents with efficient and effective services. As the busy compliance period continues, residents must remain vigilant and prioritize their safety and security when accessing municipal services.
