KAROO NEWS - The Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality has issued an urgent statement notifying the public that the mobile number 082 677 3313 belonging to Mayor Willem Safers has been hacked.

Municipal spokesperson Vuyisa Jantjies says the perpetrators have contacted a number of high-ranking government officials and councillors attempting to borrow money in the name of the mayor.

“The mayor has been informed by many of his contacts about the fraud, and wishes to warn the public that he would never borrow money from unregistered institutions, let alone via social networks.

“Please remain vigilant as we approach the festive season, white-collar criminals are getting more sophisticated and are becoming increasingly innovative in their criminal acts.”

Jantjies says the mayor apologises for any inconvenience the hacking may have caused, adding that it could also be a deliberate attempt to tarnish Mayor Safers’ name.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’