Conman nabbed for job promises

He told people to pay him R2,000 each to secure a job at Durban's municipality

THE eThekwini municipality has distanced itself from a man who conned desperate people by promising them employment at the KwaZulu-Natal municipality.

Simphiwe Mnqanyane, in his mid-20s, made a brief appearance in the Durban magistrate's court and was charged with theft. He was remanded in police custody pending further investigations.

It is alleged that he went up to people submitting applications for jobs at the municipality and asked them to pay him R2,000 per individual to secure a job.

"Reports indicate he approached people in the queues at the municipality's Shell House building, telling them he had connections who could guarantee them employment," police spokesperson Kephu Ndlovu said.

Victim Smangele Mdluli said she was conned out of R2,000 after being lured from inside Shell House, where municipal job applications are submitted.

"I at first paid R1,300 but he wanted R2,000. I contacted the police and we set a trap for him."

Ethekwini municipality spokesperson Thabo Mofokeng said they were unaware someone was conning people using the municipality as bait.

"The municipality has its own recruitment policies and we do not ask people to pay for jobs.," he said. "We appeal to the public to report such people because they are criminals and do not represent the municipality at all."

"I am glad the police have made an arrest," fumed Mzwakhe Ngiba.

Ngiba, who walks with a stick, said he had also paid R2,000 in anticipation of getting a job.