BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE- The public has been urged to remain highly alert following the circulation of a fraudulent WhatsApp account impersonating the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Hon. Manqoba Khumalo and attempting to engage members of the public under false pretences.
According to a press statement issued on June 1, 2026, by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, the fake account is linked to an unauthorised South African mobile number, with the sender falsely claiming to be the Minister in efforts to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
The Ministry has strongly distanced itself from the account, stressing that it has no connection to the Minister or any official government communication platform. It warned that the incident reflects a growing pattern of digital impersonation scams targeting members of the public.
Authorities have cautioned citizens not to respond to messages, share personal information, or engage in any requests for money, votes, or assistance originating from unofficial sources, describing such communications as highly suspicious.
“The account is not associated with the Honourable Minister, nor is it an official communication channel of the Ministry,” the statement emphasised.
The matter has since been reported to relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation and possible legal action against those behind the impersonation.
The Ministry further urged members of the public who may have received similar messages to immediately report them to authorities and to verify all official communication through recognised government channels before taking any action.
Officials said the warning is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cyber safety awareness and protect Emaswati from increasingly sophisticated online fraud schemes.
The Ministry also commended vigilant citizens who raised the alarm, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the public from digital deception and financial scams.
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(Courtesy Pic)
