The Department of Human Settlements would like to warn suppliers against the fraudulent use of the department’s letterhead to obtain goods and services.
This follows the arrest of a suspect in the Pretoria area for fraudulently acquiring 40 laptops from a supplier to the value of R240 000. The suspect used a departmental letterhead to do so.
Late last year the suspect had forged the name and signature of an employee of the department to obtain the 40 laptops. This month the supplier contacted the department enquiring about payment, only to be informed that no such order existed.
A fraud case was opened with the Brooklyn police and the following was uncovered:
The order number issued on the order form does not correspond with the number formatting used in the department:
- the department does not write letters to suppliers for orders
- the logo on the letterhead was incorrectly placed
- the department does not collect goods instead the suppliers would deliver the goods.
The department calls on suppliers to be extra vigilant when conducting business.
They can even call the department’s Supply Chain Management on (012) 421 1333 to verify orders.
For more information please call:
Xolani Xundu
Tel: 012 421 1339
Cell: 083 788 5747
