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APPROACHED BY CONMAN: Enoch Godongwana

A MAN has allegedly been trying to extort money from politicians and businessmen under the guise of former National Prosecuting Authority spokesman.

The man allegedly tells his victims that his name is Mthunzi Mhaga, the spokesman for the Department of Justice.

He tells them that he is in possession of a warrant of arrest and unless they pay him money, they will be arrested.

Mhaga confirmed that the man has been using his name in an attempt to make money from unsuspecting people.

"I understand that he threatened KwaZulu-Natal agriculture, environmental affairs and rural development MEC Meshack Radebe. He apparently wanted R35,000 from Radebe," Mhaga said.

"I would like to inform people that I am not behind this and do not know this person.

"He also allegedly tried to extort money from former deputy minister of economic development Enoch Godongwana."

It is not clear what exactly he was threatening his potential victims with, and neither Mhaga nor the Hawks would reveal more.

Jeffrey Zikhali of Radebe's office would only say: "I heard about this matter, but do not have first-hand knowledge, so I really cannot comment."

Godongwana confirmed that the man tried his luck with him, saying: "Indeed he tried, but I don't think I'm at liberty to discuss the matter. Perhaps the Hawks will give you more information."

In an error-riddled text message that Sowetan has seen, the man wrote, allegedly to Godongwana: "Yes, my writing a book is personal hence im the 1 telling u da news of yo arrest.

"I'm the charging coordinator wth the hawks, thats why im willing to show u da evidence first hand."

Mhaga said his reputation has been compromised. "I am worried because this person is using my name wrongly, that is why I reported him to the Hawks. What he is doing is exploitation and impersonation and as a result, he has dented my name and image of the organisation that I work for," Mhaga said.

Hawks' spokesman McIntosh Polela said they were investigating the case.

He would not say how much, if any, the impostor has managed to get from his victims so far.

- selebim@sowetan.co.za

Comments

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Wed Jun 19 21:06:22 SAST 2013 ::

Aug 27, 2012

Traveljunie

He is only doing to goverment what they are doing to us. This is how they do business. They can not blame him for using their own tricks to get some money.

Actually quite funny and a good option. Most of them have done some underhanded dealings and will be quilty of some other thing, He can hit any goverment official with such a story and some poepol will think it is real and they have evidince against then and pay up.
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Aug 27, 2012

tpaz

Shows that everyone has something to hide
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Aug 27, 2012

Pointman

Poor guy, the way he writes - it is Angie's fault. Even our con men are of low quality now. But one thing he did get right - he is fishing in a pool full of criminals and was likely to make a catch if he did his presentation properly.
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Aug 27, 2012

Kgaoza606

Indirect tender-system, pay before service delivery and get away with moolaaa. The guy new that procurement system of our government is so loose that they'd have paid without following proper procedure, his problem is that he made threats...
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Aug 27, 2012

januswanus

He is from Burundi. The engrish is tearing (broken).
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Aug 27, 2012

MSG_S

"Yes, my writing a book is personal hence im the 1 telling u ......"
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This is from one of the Ministers/MPs. That is closely how they speak in parliament.
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Aug 27, 2012

MommaC

SA, alive with possibilities :)

I've had e-mails from Radebe, Manuel and many more - all scams.
Seems like SA is becoming the new capital of 419
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Aug 27, 2012

seutullamakunutu

well welll nothing new the government does it in the for of consitution
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Aug 27, 2012

MGEEZ

What reputation is Mhaga talking about???
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Aug 27, 2012

Lehido

South Africa, alive with possibility.......

Where the heck did he get their contact details from?
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