The NPA is concerned about imposters pretending to be the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Andy Mothibi.
Image: Supplied
On February 1, Andy Mothibi stepped into office as the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), but the institution has since learnt about individuals pretending to be him.
The NPA said the opportunists impersonated Mothibi through messages circulated via fraudulent phone numbers and social media accounts.
In keeping with established protocols for government officials, especially those holding high office, NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago reiterated that the NDPP does not communicate with the public through private or unfamiliar numbers regarding official matters.
Kganyago confirmed that some impersonators have been circulating messages while falsely claiming to be advocate Mothibi.
In some instances, they have used his photograph with the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, to lend credibility to their fictitious communications when contacting 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,” Kganyago said in a statement.
He reiterated that 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. 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.
DAILY NEWS