Durban Metro Police job-selling scam under criminal investigation

The eThekwini Municipality is pursuing criminal charges following a forensic investigation into a job-selling scam within the Durban Metro Police Service. City officials, including City Manager Musa Mbhele and Durban Metro Police Commissioner Sibonelo Mchunu, addressed allegations that an official received approximately R420,000 in exchange for securing positions for applicants.

The probe was initiated after 71 unsuccessful applicants lodged complaints alleging they had paid tens of thousands of rands to secure employment during the 2026 recruitment process. While some reports suggested extortion amounts as high as R20 million, officials denied these figures, stating the forensic report by accounting firm Isiqu confirmed the lower amount.

Commissioner Mchunu confirmed that a criminal case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS). City officials also denied claims that the scheme was widespread or that senior officials were involved in the misconduct.