South Africans warned of fake traffic police school

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has sent out a warning to the public about “a bogus traffic police officer traineeship programme recruitment currently doing rounds on social media.”

The fake advert implores prospective candidates to download the traffic traineeship applications for 2023 using the RTMC name in an effort to establish legitimacy. It also claims that positions are open to all nationalities and will supply successful applicants with work permits, housing accommodation, and medical facilities.

“The Corporation distances itself from this fake advertisement. The Corporation would like to place it on record that it is currently not recruiting any traffic officer learners,” said the RTMC.

“When posts do become vacant, the corporation will advertise its vacancies through various reputable platforms, including our website, mainstream media, and RTMC social media platforms.”

Applicants can authenticate job postings by visiting the RTMC website and checking the careers page for the opening.

“Any advert that is not on the website should be treated with suspicion,” it said. The organisation also notes that it only trains South African citizens between the ages of 18 and 35.

Cleaning up the streets

The RTMC’s warning follows a year where carjackings and other vehicle-related crimes were increasing rapidly.

Between January and September, 17,412 cases of hijacking were reported to police stations across South Africa, and in the three months from 1 July to 30 September, an average of 68 vehicles were stolen in the country every day.

Similarly, theft out of motor vehicles, incidents of motorists driving under the influence, and cash-in-transit robberies all saw an uptick.

The noticeable increase in crime has led to many cities making serious efforts to clean up their streets.

Joburg and Tshwane recently reactivated their speeding cameras, leading to over 6,000 speeding fines being issued in the City of Gold in January alone.

Durban, too, is looking to add 200 officers to its metro police force, and Cape Town’s increased traffic operations saw a 69% increase in arrests in the second half of 2022 when compared to the corresponding period in 2021.