While firefighters were working tirelessly to restore normality in the Western Cape, fraudsters were busy devising plans on how to take advantage of the situation, and have used this as an opportunity to ask for money or donations on behalf of these brave heroes.
In a statement on Tuesday, Overstrand Executive Mayor, Dr. Annelie Rabie, warned businesses in Hermanus about this scam, and said: “It is unfortunate that fraudsters are taking advantage of the goodwill of residents and businesses alike.”
Rabie went on to urge people to be extremely cautious when receiving unsolicited phone calls asking for donations, and said that if there are any doubts about the legitimacy of a call asking for a donation on behalf of the Overstrand Fire Department, please contact the Mayor’s office on 028 313 8050 for confirmation.
“Donations towards the firefighting efforts in Kleinmond area can be dropped off at the Mayor’s office in Magnolia Street, Hermanus. Alternatively contact Barry van Vuren of the Whale Coast Business and Community Forum on 073 388 0898,” Rabie adds.
More than 4 000 hectares of land (fynbos and plantations) have been damaged as a result of the blaze, while authorities reopened all roads to Kleinmond and Hermanus, including the Karwyderskraal Road on Tuesday morning.
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Fire photo- series: The Kleinmond flames
Picture: Richard Middelmann