The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has issued a warning to the public about impersonators targeting National Director of Public Prosecutions, advocate Andy Mothibi, through fraudulent phone numbers and social media accounts. According to NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago, some individuals 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.
How to Identify the Scam
Kganyago said the 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.
What to Do If You Encounter the Scam
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 has called on those responsible to immediately cease impersonating advocate Mothibi and misusing his image.
The following are some tips to help you identify and avoid the scam:
- Be cautious of messages or calls from unknown numbers
- Verify the identity of the person claiming to be advocate Mothibi
- Do not engage with suspicious messages or calls
- Report incidents to the 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. For more information on how to protect yourself from scams, you can visit the South African Police Service website.
