Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electricity utility, has recently uncovered a disturbing trend of recruitment scams targeting job seekers seeking employment at its power stations. The most recent incident was aimed at the Medupi Power Station, where scammers falsely advertised job vacancies on the internet. These unsavory individuals lured unsuspecting applicants to sham interviews, with promises of employment opportunities that turned out to be nothing more than a ploy to swindle money from desperate job seekers. Recognizing the severity of the issue, Eskom took swift action and collaborated with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
In a press release issued on June 26, 2023, Eskom expressed its concern over the growing number of recruitment scams aimed at its power stations. The latest incident occurred at the Medupi Power Station, where fraudsters impersonated Eskom recruiters and advertised fake job openings on the internet. Preying on the hopes of job seekers, these scammers encouraged applicants to apply for the alleged vacancies and then led them to believe they had secured an interview opportunity.
To further solidify their deception, the scammers instructed the unsuspecting victims to bring money for expenses related to their “employment,” such as accommodation and transport to Lephalale, where the Medupi Power Station is situated. In some cases, the fraudsters demanded additional payments to a specified bank account, citing reasons such as the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) or medical assessments after the interviews.
Upon receiving several complaints from the public about the Medupi recruitment scam, Eskom took immediate action. Collaborating with the South African Police Service (SAPS), they launched a joint operation to track down and apprehend the culprits behind this nefarious scheme.
Their concerted efforts yielded success, leading to the arrest of three suspects, consisting of two females and a male accomplice. The suspects were taken into custody and subsequently charged at the Douglasdale Police Station on June 26, 2023. Following their arrest, the suspects appeared before the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on June 28, 2023, and their case has been scheduled for further proceedings on August 16, 2023.
Eskom wants to protect job seekers from falling victim to such scams in the future. They strongly advise all potential applicants to be vigilant and exercise caution during their job search. Vacancies at Eskom are exclusively advertised on the official recruitment website (www.eskom.co.za). Any other links claiming to represent Eskom or its recruitment process should be treated with suspicion.
It is essential for job seekers to remember that Eskom’s recruitment process does not involve any form of payment from applicants. If a job seeker is asked to make any payment to secure a position, it is almost certainly a scam.
For anyone who may have been a victim of the Medupi Power Station recruitment scam or who may have relevant information, Eskom urges them to reach out for assistance. The utility advises contacting Colonel Naidoo at 082 820 6174, the South African Police Service (SAPS) at 08600 10111, or sending an SMS to the Eskom Crime Line at 32211.
As technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics of scammers and fraudsters. The recent recruitment scam at the Medupi Power Station serves as a reminder of the importance of staying cautious and informed while navigating the job market. Eskom’s swift action in collaboration with SAPS demonstrates their commitment to protecting job seekers from falling victim to such fraudulent schemes. By adhering to Eskom’s official recruitment procedures and staying vigilant, aspiring applicants can ensure a safer and more secure job hunting experience.
This website uses cookies.
