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⚠️ BEWARE OF FAKE DCS TENDER USING “PHOSHO RAPHELA” NAME
Scammers continue to exploit the name of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) — this time impersonating an official named “Raphela Phosho” from the Drakenstein Correctional Centre in Paarl, Western Cape.
They’re using the email Phosho.Raphela@dcs.gov.za — a spoofed or fake email address that does not belong to the official DCS domain — and inviting companies to submit quotations for suspicious “urgent tenders.”
🔍 SCAM OVERVIEW
| Name Used | Raphela Phosho |
| Fake Position | Supposed official at Drakenstein Correctional Centre |
| Phosho.Raphela@dcs.gov.za | |
| Phone Number | 021 516 0539 (not verifiable) |
| Fake Address Used | Cnr Jan van Riebeeck Drive & Wemmershoek Rd, Paarl (used to lend credibility) |
| Common Themes | “Urgent tender,” “Request for Quotation,” or “Open Request” not listed on eTenders site |
🚩 RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR
| Spoofed Email Address | Appears legitimate but is not traceable on the official DCS domain. |
| No Official Tender Number or Reference | Genuine tenders always include a reference that can be validated on eTenders. |
| No eTender Listing | If it’s not published officially, it’s not valid. |
| Request for documents without verification | They typically ask for CSD reports, BEE certs, or bank letters without real procurement processes. |
| Urgency Pressure | Scammers always claim it's urgent — to bypass scrutiny. |
🚫 DO NOT
Submit your company documents
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Share CSD reports or ID copies
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Pay for any documentation or courier fees
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Respond to Phosho.Raphela@dcs.gov.za
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Verify all tenders at: https://etenders.treasury.gov.za
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Contact DCS directly at 📞 012 307 2000 or check via official departmental contacts
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Report the scam to:
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National Treasury: cybercrime@treasury.gov.za
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SAPS: Commercial Crimes Unit
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Your local business chamber or fraud prevention office
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✅ WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
🔒 PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS
Never trust unsolicited tender invitations — especially when the "official" only communicates by email, offers no official tender documentation number, and pressures for a quick reply.
📎 Tags & Keywords
Keywords:
Phosho Raphela fake tender, Drakenstein Correctional scam, Paarl tender scam, DCS procurement fraud, Correctional Services impersonation
Tags:
Tender Scam Alert
South African Government Tender Fraud
Drakenstein DCS Fake Quote
Fake Procurement Officer
CSD Fraud Warning
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