The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has warned road users about hoax emails and messages claiming e-toll payments would be taken directly out of their accounts.
The roads agency said the messages, which started out as an April Fools joke, have gained momentum and roads users are worried SANRAL is illegally appropriating their money.
The warning comes after a technology news website published an April Fools Day article claiming the South African Revenue Services (SARS) had begun allowing SANRAL to take money directly from road users who had not paid outstanding e-tolls bills.
“We want to assure the public that SANRAL acts strictly within the confines of the legislation pertaining to e-tolling,” said spokesperson Vusi Mona.
“We are transparent in all our actions and communicate our real intentions through the media, and directly to the public, on a regular basis.”
Mona said it is regrettable the site published the article as many people have taken the article seriously after reading it.
“There is still a degree of misunderstanding the e-tolling system and unfortunately such hoax reports and emails only add to the confusion among road users,” said Mona.
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