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Scam be careful
Businesses and suppliers in South Africa are urged to remain cautious after a Request for Quotation (RFQ) allegedly issued on behalf of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) began circulating via email. The RFQ claims to request quotations for 50 HW435D Solar Panel Street Lights for delivery to Drakenstein Correctional Centre.
The document lists Zwelabo Mayisela as the bidding entity representative, with the contact number +27 21 516 0496 and email Zwelabo.Mayisela@dcs.gov.za
, while another official email address Vanessa.Goliath@dcs.gov.za
is copied in the communication. The RFQ number provided in the message is QU-06845_CPT/2026, and suppliers are requested to submit quotations before 16 March 2026 at 16:30.
At first glance, the request appears to follow a standard procurement format used by government departments. It includes a delivery address, quotation validity requirements, a price schedule template, and a list of supporting documents. However, businesses should not assume authenticity without verification, as procurement scams often replicate official government formats to deceive suppliers.
The RFQ requests suppliers to submit several sensitive company documents, including:
Company registration documents
Valid Tax Clearance Certificate
Bank confirmation letter
B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit
Copy of the company director’s ID
CSD registration report
While these documents are commonly required for legitimate tenders, scammers sometimes use fake RFQs to harvest company information for identity theft, fraudulent tender submissions, or financial scams. In some cases, criminals may later request “administration fees,” “registration fees,” or “delivery deposits” after a supplier submits a quotation
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