Latest news with #SaferCity
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- The Citizen
Zama zamas operating across Springs, but not at Wit Road off-ramp
Zama zamas operating across Springs, but not at Wit Road off-ramp Ward councillor Mike du Toit said cable thieves, not illegal miners, are behind underground activity near the N17 off-ramp but warns of growing zama zama operations across other parts of the area. Following a report by the SaferCity team last Thursday about possible underground activity at the N17 East and Wit Road off-ramp, ward councillor Mike du Toit told the Springs Advertiser that no illegal mining is taking place in that area. He explained that the issue at the Wit Road off-ramp is the result of a gang of cable thieves who have found access to a series of underground tunnels. This has led to two cable theft incidents since June 29. Du Toit said the thefts have caused serious electricity outages affecting parts of Nuffield and parts of Selection Park North. 'Losses to the industry have been very serious, and energy stakeholders and the private sector are looking at ways and means to secure the area,' he said. ALSO READ: Ex-Apartheid cop from Springs jailed 15 years for Caiphus Nyoka's murder He confirmed that illegal mining is taking place alongside the N17 further up, behind the old Nigel rail line, near the N17 Hospital and Pollak Park Golf Course, as well as further down behind Fulcrum. Du Toit added that while there is currently no reason to believe the N17 is under direct threat, the nature of zama zama operations could eventually pose a risk to road infrastructure. He also noted that illegal mining is occurring behind Daggafontein and the Mega City site. 'The police are well aware of these operations and conduct periodic raids wherever there are known illegal mining activities. 'However, these activities are extensive and span the entire Main Reef area, stretching from here to Klerksdorp,' said du Toit. ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni aware of exposed cables in Casseldale, repairs planned At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
31-05-2025
- The Citizen
WhatsApp scam warning: Users tricked into sharing verification codes
Authorities have issued a warning about a new WhatsApp scam where fraudsters trick users into giving away their security verification codes. The scam begins with a message from someone pretending to be a friend or contact. The sender claims to be taking part in an 'ambassador course' and asks the victim to help by sharing a code they will receive via SMS. That code is the victim's WhatsApp verification code. Also read: JMPD sends stern warning about e-wallet bribery scam Once the code is shared, scammers gain full control of the victim's WhatsApp account. They then impersonate the victim to message contacts, sometimes asking for money. How to protect yourself: • Never share your WhatsApp verification code with anyone • Enable two-step verification on your account • Verify suspicious messages by calling the person directly using a regular phone call • Use tools like Truecaller or Google to identify unknown numbers • Check and update your WhatsApp privacy settings • Report suspicious activity to WhatsApp and your local police What to do if your WhatsApp is hacked: • Log out and reinstall WhatsApp to trigger a new verification code • Use the new SMS code to regain access • Activate two-step verification immediately • Report and block the number that contacted you • Inform your contacts not to respond to suspicious messages from your number Authorities urge the public to stay alert and avoid sharing personal information online. * Issued by: Gauteng Provincial JOC – A Gauteng Police Board Initiative #SaferCity At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
