Durban Metro Police job-selling scam being probed
More than 62 000 hopefuls submitted applications for the positions.
The eThekwini Municipality is investigating city officials over alleged job-selling practices in the Durban Metro Police Service, potentially involving payments of tens of thousands of rands. City Manager Musa Mbhele and Durban Metro Police Commissioner Sibonelo Mchunu acknowledged a forensic report indicating that an official received around R1 million in payments from applicants seeking jobs in the Metro Police.
The probe followed 70 complaints lodged by unsuccessful applicants who claimed they paid substantial sums to secure employment. City officials denied that the scheme was widespread or that senior officials were involved, stating that the report found only one individual, a junior worker not involved in the recruitment process, was the recipient of the payments.
A criminal case has been opened against the implicated official with the South African Police Services (SAPS). The municipality had opened the 2026 recruitment process for the Durban Metro Police in February but commissioned a forensic investigation after the complaints. The city's 2026 recruitment drive aims to commence in May after three months of training, with over 62,000 hopefuls applying for positions.
The incident is not the first time the recruitment process has been tainted by allegations of irregularities. City officials have vowed to take action against those found guilty of wrongdoing, warning the public against falling victim to scammers promising employment in exchange for payment.
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