Metro official missing after job scam saga

A Buffalo City Metro official, who is allegedly behind a jobs scam, has gone AWOL as complaints against him mount.

Siphenkosi Tutshana, who works as a clerk at the directorate of financial services, has been accused of allegedly targeting vulnerable jobseekers.

He allegedly furnishes them with official municipal employment forms at a cost of between R300 and R1000 with the promise of jobs as general workers in the revenue management unit.

The Saturday Dispatch spoke to several municipal officials who claimed 10 people have come forward to complain. The first case was reported earlier this month.

All victims had allegedly named Tutshana as the person they dealt with. Tutshana has been absent without leave for two weeks and numerous calls to his number have gone unanswered. Metro communications manager Keith Ngesi confirmed the issue is under investigation.

“People should know that the only department that is responsible for hiring is human resources.” The newspaper has seen the bogus appointment letters, which state the applicants would commence duties on July 1 for a three-year contract. The salary is stipulated as R7500 a month. “Please remember that this is not a permanent position. It is a three-year contract. For you to become permanent, it will depend on your performance and to the interest of your supervisor,” stated a letter to “successful” applicant Yanga Dlulani, who resigned from his previous job.

Metro officials, who asked not to be named as they are not authorised to speak to the media, said those affected had been referred to the police to compile affidavits. Metro spokesman Thandy Matebese said: “Our position as the metro on issues of corruption is clear and consistent.

Any staff member found to be involved in such corrupt activities will face dismissal as well as criminal charges. “Likewise, any member of the public who attempts to purchase a job can also face criminal charges.” Dlulani said he was now in limbo and had no money to pay rent for his Southernwood flat this month. He resigned from his job at a fast food franchise when he received the appointment letter.

“I resigned because of the money and security that comes with other perks in a municipal job. Now I am left in the cold and with nothing to eat or rent for the flat I occupy,” said an emotional Dlulani.