BEWARE: Public urged to be vigilant against imposters
Sheriffs are urging members of the public to be vigilant and identify bona fide deputies to avoid falling victim to scammers impersonating them.
Deputy Sheriffs say many Batswana often experience fear upon encountering them, prompting some to turn off their phones, while others may contemplate or engage in suicide. Many individuals have fallen victim to scams perpetrated by imposters posing as deputy sheriffs.
These deceptive individuals not only exploit the trust and authority associated with law enforcement but also employ evasive tactics such as fleeing the scene and denying court orders bearing their names. Deputy Sheriffs therefore, urge members of the public to remain vigilant and comply whenever they call for assistance.
Speaking to The Midweek Sun on Monday Assistant Deputy Sheriff, Lawrence Tshukudu Mosate from Mochudi revealed that he has been working as a deputy sheriff for three years now. He urges the public to demand proof from people presenting themselves as deputy sheriffs to verify their identity.
"Deputy Sheriff is given an ID Card containing his or her particulars and photo. When executing their duties as an officer of the court, the Deputy Sheriffs are expected to display the ID. I urge Batswana to cooperate with those they owe money, sometimes people give out empty promises and never pay debts," Tshukudu said.
He explained that they usually approach people because they have been sent to do so, emphasising that attaching accumulated properties to pay debts is not an easy process. He advised people to normally undergo quick self-counselling and ensure compliance when dealing with debts.
Mandla Shabangu, a Deputy Sheriff based in Gaborone says deputy sheriffs are human beings and advised people to comply whenever they receive a call from them. He stressed the importance of not running away as it delays the entire mediation process.
"Running from a deputy sheriff increases costs. It is important to comply and listen to the purpose of the call," Shabangu said. He explained that their main role is to serve as mediators between the party owed and the party owing.
"Deputy Sheriffs are not appointed to operate debt collection companies, they collect debts on behalf of judgment creditors; they are not debt collectors in the sense of running debt collection business. They are officers of the court who will only collect debts pursuant to a judgment of the court," he stated.
Assistant Deputy Sheriff Salim Metsimabe, who works under Shabangu, highlighted that people often lack education about the law and tend to hide or not show up when wanted by Deputy Sheriffs.
"One incident that really puzzles us is when people deny they owe someone, while there is indeed a court order," Metsimabe said.
Deputy Sheriffs say many Batswana often experience fear upon encountering them, prompting some to turn off their phones, while others may contemplate or engage in suicide. Many individuals have fallen victim to scams perpetrated by imposters posing as deputy sheriffs.
These deceptive individuals not only exploit the trust and authority associated with law enforcement but also employ evasive tactics such as fleeing the scene and denying court orders bearing their names. Deputy Sheriffs therefore, urge members of the public to remain vigilant and comply whenever they call for assistance.
Speaking to The Midweek Sun on Monday Assistant Deputy Sheriff, Lawrence Tshukudu Mosate from Mochudi revealed that he has been working as a deputy sheriff for three years now. He urges the public to demand proof from people presenting themselves as deputy sheriffs to verify their identity.
"Deputy Sheriff is given an ID Card containing his or her particulars and photo. When executing their duties as an officer of the court, the Deputy Sheriffs are expected to display the ID. I urge Batswana to cooperate with those they owe money, sometimes people give out empty promises and never pay debts," Tshukudu said.
He explained that they usually approach people because they have been sent to do so, emphasising that attaching accumulated properties to pay debts is not an easy process. He advised people to normally undergo quick self-counselling and ensure compliance when dealing with debts.
Mandla Shabangu, a Deputy Sheriff based in Gaborone says deputy sheriffs are human beings and advised people to comply whenever they receive a call from them. He stressed the importance of not running away as it delays the entire mediation process.
"Running from a deputy sheriff increases costs. It is important to comply and listen to the purpose of the call," Shabangu said. He explained that their main role is to serve as mediators between the party owed and the party owing.
"Deputy Sheriffs are not appointed to operate debt collection companies, they collect debts on behalf of judgment creditors; they are not debt collectors in the sense of running debt collection business. They are officers of the court who will only collect debts pursuant to a judgment of the court," he stated.
Assistant Deputy Sheriff Salim Metsimabe, who works under Shabangu, highlighted that people often lack education about the law and tend to hide or not show up when wanted by Deputy Sheriffs.
"One incident that really puzzles us is when people deny they owe someone, while there is indeed a court order," Metsimabe said.
