The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has issued a stern warning to the public following renewed reports of individuals impersonating the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), advocate Andy Mothibi, through fraudulent phone numbers and social media accounts.
According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago, some impersonators have been circulating messages while falsely claiming to be advocate Mothibi.
In certain cases, they have used a photo of him taken with the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, to lend credibility and mislead recipients.
“The NPA strongly condemns these acts of impersonation and urges the public to exercise caution when receiving messages or calls from anyone claiming to be advocate Mothibi,” said Kganyago in a statement.
Kganyago said NDPP does not communicate with the public through private or unfamiliar numbers regarding official matters.
The NPA noted that such conduct is unlawful and could constitute offences including fraud and impersonation. It has called on those responsible to immediately cease impersonating advocate Mothibi and misusing his image.
Members of the public who encounter suspicious messages or calls claiming to be from advocate Mothibi are urged not to engage and to report the incidents to their nearest law enforcement authorities.
The NPA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of its leadership and safeguarding the public from fraudulent activities conducted in the name of its officials.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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