The Western Cape (WC) Mobility Department has urged residents to be aware of fraudulent activities which scam people into paying fees to attend the provincial Gene Louw Traffic Training College.

According to the department, a fraud case was opened after several people fell victim to the scam towards the end of last year and at the start of the year believing they had secured training opportunities at the college.

WC Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku says the department is actively working with law enforcement agencies as these scammers, operating via social media, falsely claim to represent the college and request payments of R150 for registration forms and a further R3,000 for enrolment.

“Gene Louw Traffic Training College emphatically states that no payments are required to secure admission.”

Sileku added that the college will not communicate through social media platforms on recruitment or training opportunities. The minister has therefore urged members of the public to be vigilant and recognise that any such request is a scam.

Steps to becoming a Traffic Officer in the Western Cape:

1. Posts for Traffic Officers are officially advertised by the Western Cape Mobility Department in newspapers and on the Western Cape Government website.
2. A Traffic Officer qualification is not a prerequisite when applying for advertised posts.
3. Applications are reviewed, and successful candidates are invited for recruitment processes.
4. Only those who pass the recruitment process are admitted to training for a Traffic Officer qualification.

Due to there not being any specific timelines for these advertisements, the department encouraged prospective applicants to regularly monitor official channels.

“The safety and security of our residents extend beyond the road and into the integrity of our institutions. It is deeply concerning that scammers are preying on the hopes and ambitions of those seeking to serve our communities as traffic officers.” said Sileku

Sileku added that the department will continue to take all necessary steps to protect law-abiding residents and maintain the trustworthiness of its recruitment processes.

“I urge everyone to remain cautious and report suspicious activities immediately.”

At the same time, the Head of the Gene Louw Traffic College, Jacqueline Tweedie said the institution is disheartened by the fraudulent activities that exploit the aspirations of prospective traffic officers.

“We remind everyone that admission to the college does not require any form of payment. Please verify all information through official channels to avoid falling victim to these scams.”

What to do if you are approached:

• Do not make any payments or share personal information with individuals claiming to represent the Traffic Training College via social media or unofficial platforms.
• Verify information directly through the Western Cape Government website.
• Report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.

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