Beware of storm fraudsters

THE Newcastle Local Municipality is urging residents to remain vigilant against fraudulent messages circulating in the community, falsely claiming that individuals affected by recent thunderstorms must report water damage losses to the Disaster Management Team to receive any form of assistance.

- THOBEKA NGEMA

November is doughnut appreciation month and getting a Spring Season sugar-rush are, from left,: Nicola Botha, second violin and cadet, Chad Hendricks, resident conductor, KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, and Deidre Cicilie - Second violin tutti player. I Shelley Kjonstad

(Shelley Kjonstad)

This misinformation comes as the municipality grapples with the aftermath of severe flooding from a thunderstorm that struck on Sunday.

The misleading message, which purports to originate from the Newcastle Disaster Management Unit, reads: "In light of the flash floods that affected Newcastle on the 9/11/2025, due to the non-maintenance and collapse of critical infrastructure, we request that every member who suffered a loss due to the water damage call the Disaster Management Team of Newcastle Municipality to report such damage.