The ministry of Cogta says someone has hacked the Cogta minister Velenkosini Hlabisa’s phone from having access to calls and messages and the alleged fraudster has been asking his contacts for money.
"The ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) wishes to inform the public that minister Velenkosini Hlabisa mobile phone has been compromised by hackers. Authorised access to the minister's phone has been used to send fraudulent messages soliciting money from contacts in his phone and possibly from other numbers not in his contact list," read the statement from Cogta.
Cogta said this is a concern as it jeopardises not only the minister's personal security but also exploits the trust of the public.
"Cogta urges the public to exercise extreme caution if they receive any communication purposely from the minister soliciting financial assistance or any form of monetary contribution. The minister's office in collaboration with relevant security agencies, is actively investigating the breach. Steps are being taken to secure the ministers' communication channels and to identify those responsible for this illegal activity," added the statement.
Cogta also urged the public to report any information pertaining to this to the law enforcement authorities.
The Mercury