Scam: Police warn residents to be vigilant

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — Last Saturday, several small businesses in Aberdeen were approached by a couple in a white Toyota Condor van selling a poster published by the Department of Labour about the Health and Safety Act.

The Indian woman and coloured man seemed very official, in uniforms, and checked on the expiry date of goods in some of the shops.

According to one business owner, she was told that that the shop would be liable for a R100 000 fine if the poster was not clearly displayed in the shop.

She became suspicious and contacted some other similar businesses. Together they contacted the local municipal administrator and took the sellers to the police station.

The matter escalated, and station commander Captain Qashani was called.

He agreed that it sounded suspicious, and decided to check the matter himself. He then questioned them regarding their mandate from the Department of Labour regarding this sale.

They mentioned that they sell to interested businesses. Captain Qashani demanded their particulars to be able to validate this activity by contacting the Department of Labour, and suggested that they give back the money to those not interested whilst busy with verification of the activity.

They returned the money and then disappeared before Capt Qashani could complete his investigation. All except two shops received their money back.

According to police information, the Department of Labour contact person is from East London or King Williamstown, and this was a private company selling posters, registered in Pietermartzburg, with a vehicle registered in Port Elizabeth.

Linda Bester from the Graaff-Reinet Department of Labour had no knowledge of the activity.

According to Capt Qashani, at this stage, no business person came to lodge a case for investigation regarding the matter.

Police suspect that mainly foreign nationals’ businesses were targeted, and they were pleased to note that the business owners contacted each other to prevent more people being caught.

Due to the quick reactions of the police and the business owners, it is hoped that no other businesses will be caught by this scam.

Local councillor Eldrige Ruiters had also been contacted for advice by some of the business people, and he informed them that government information of this nature, such as posters and pamphlets, can be obtained from the offices of the relevant departments themselves.