Cape Town: The Western Cape Mobility Department has issued a warning about a scam targeting aspiring traffic officers. Fraudsters are deceiving individuals into paying fees for non-existent opportunities at the Gene Louw Traffic Training College.
According to South African Government News Agency, the scammers, primarily operating through social media, are falsely claiming to represent the college and requesting payments of R150 for registration forms and an additional R3,000 for enrolment. In late 2024 and early 2025, several individuals arrived at the college under the impression that they had secured training opportunities, only to learn they had been scammed. A case of fraud has been opened, and the department is collaborating with law enforcement to address the issue.
The Gene Louw Traffic Training College has emphasized that no payments are required for admission and that it does not use social media for recruitment or training opportunities. The department urges the public to remain vigilant and recognize such requests as scams. Prospective applicants are advised to monitor official channels regularly, as there are no specific timelines for advertisements.
Western Cape Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku, highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of institutions, stating that the department is committed to protecting residents and ensuring trustworthy recruitment processes. Sileku encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities immediately.
Jacqueline Tweedie, Head of the Gene Louw Traffic College, expressed dismay over the fraudulent activities, emphasizing the college’s commitment to providing fair and transparent training opportunities. She reiterated that no payments are required for admission and urged individuals to verify information through official channels to avoid scams.
The department outlined the official steps to become a Traffic Officer in the Western Cape. Advertisements for positions are published in newspapers and on the Western Cape Government website. A Traffic Officer qualification is not needed when applying, and only those who pass the recruitment process are admitted to training.
Individuals approached by scammers are advised not to make payments or share personal information with anyone claiming to represent the college via unofficial platforms. Verification should be done through the Western Cape Government website, and any suspicious activity should be reported to law enforcement immediately.