Municipality warns public of compromised manager’s cellphone numbers

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Metsimaholo local municipality has issued a warning to the public regarding the cellphone numbers associated with the municipal manager, Basi Motloung.

The municipality has raised concerns that these numbers may have been SIM-swapped or compromised by an unidentified individual or group, potentially putting sensitive information at risk.

This advisory aims to protect residents from possible fraudulent activities linked to the phone numbers in question.

The municipality has expressed concerns regarding certain affected numbers, believing they may be utilized for fraudulent activities.

According to the municipality, these activities could involve attempts to scam or solicit money from unaware members of the public, with the fraudsters impersonating the municipal manager.

Manager’s Numbers under threat

“We strongly caution the public not to respond to any suspicious calls, SMSes, WhatsApp messages, or requests for money, banking details, vouchers, or personal information allegedly coming from Motloung’s numbers.

“Members of the public are advised to verify any suspicious communication directly with Metsimaholo Local Municipality through official municipal communication channels before taking any action.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and ignore any suspicious requests for money or personal information allegedly from municipal officials,” the municipality said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the political and administrative leadership of the Metsimaholo local municipality convened a meeting on Thursday at Zamdela Hall in Sasolburg.

The session, led by executive mayor Jack Malindi and municipal manager Basi Motloung, was designed to address various workplace issues and employee grievances brought forth by municipal employees associated with the South African municipal workers’ union (SAMWU).

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Key topics of discussion included concerns regarding personal protective equipment (PPE), tools of trade, the resolutions of the local labour forum (LLF), and other labour-related matters impacting employees’ work environments.

Motloung responded to the specific grievances presented in the employees’ letter to management. Additionally, the engagement allowed employees an opportunity to voice their concerns directly to the municipality’s leadership.

In his opening remarks, Malindi expressed a warm welcome to all attendees and reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to fostering constructive engagement and maintaining open communication channels with its workforce.