CoCT warns against scammers targeting businesses in Mitchells Plain

CAPE TOWN - Scammers posing as city health inspectors are targeting businesses in the Lentegeur area in Mitchells Plain, the City of Cape Town has warned.

The city said that the scammers were demanding payment for fake health certificates.

Mayco Member for Community Services and Health Francine Higham said criminals posing as health officials were demanding certificates from shop owners in the area.

Higham said the imposters requested payment for the certificates and threatened violence if asked for identification.

"We're urging businesses to please be alert to scammers posing as city health officials demanding payment for fake certificates. Certificates of acceptability are issued free of charge only after inspection, and our staff will never ask for cash or rewards."

Higham has encouraged victims of the crime to report the incidents at local police stations.