The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has issued a stark warning after reports surfaced of criminals pretending to be TV licence inspectors to gain access to people’s homes and commit robberies.
The alert follows a message circulating on social media claiming that inspectors were visiting households, a claim the SABC said is completely false.
“The SABC wishes to remind the public that it has not appointed any inspectors or officials to conduct physical inspections of television sets in homes,” the broadcaster said.
Members of the public are urged to report immediately to police anyone claiming to be an SABC representative attempting to enter a residence. Such individuals are not authorised by the SABC and are attempting to exploit residents under false pretences.
SABC spokesperson Mmoni Ngubane stressed that all communication with TV licence holders is conducted exclusively through secure and official channels. Door-to-door inspections are not part of the broadcaster’s process.
“We urge the public not to open their doors to anyone claiming to be a TV licence inspector and to report suspicious activity to the authorities,” Ngubane said.
This is not the first time the SABC has issued such a warning. In 2018, similar messages circulated in areas such as Weltevreden, west of Johannesburg, where would-be robbers were posing as SABC agents.
The broadcaster reiterated that residents should remain vigilant and only respond to official communication channels to avoid falling victim to scams.
Provincial spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said police in Gauteng have not received any reports linked to criminals posing as TV licence inspectors.
The Star