By Theodorah Waga Mawasha
PHARARE-In these unprecedented times where jobs are scarce, many people have resorted to paying money in exchange of jobs. Scammers have also upped their ante and are distorting money from unsuspecting desperate job seekers.
A total of forty-five (45) community members from Pharare village, Greater Tzaneen, have fallen victim to a job scam that has left them angered and hopeless.
According to a community member who did not wish to be mentioned, a woman from the community was approached by an unknown man on Friday, September 09, who promised to give her and the forty-three others potato picking jobs at a nearby farm, only known as farm number nine (9).
It is reported that to be eligible to get the job, interested people were obligated to contribute a sum of three hundred Rands (R300) each to secure a position. Reportedly, people from the village who were interested and excited to finally find employment, paid the contribution fee as the list went around the village. The money allegedly added up to the sum of R13, 300 in total.
“The lady who was approached by the scammers was unsuspecting hence she convinced us to contribute and she too, was scammed. We were hopeful because we were told we would start work as soon as Sunday. A truck was to be sent to come pick us up at a designated location “, anonymous said.
“Unfortunately, when the day came, a man driving a black VW polo with no registration plate came to collect the contributions and left promising to return, however, he has since vanished”, anonymous continued.
It is reported that the masses have tried to call the number the scammers used to communicate with them but the number is disconnected and it’s reported to be registered in another man’s name.
The group has this morning called a meeting with the CPF (Community Policing Forum) at Pharare village to share information on how to best resolve their plight. Ultimately, a case of robbery will be opened at Maake police station.
