Pretoria:The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has issued a warning to the public about a scam that involves the impersonation of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Andy Mothibi.
According to South African Government News Agency, the NPA highlighted that an individual is using the name and photograph of the NDPP in communications sent from an unauthorized mobile number. The fraudulent activity involves presenting the number as belonging to Advocate Mothibi and contacting individuals under the guise of representing the NDPP.
The NPA stressed that the public and stakeholders should not assume that any communications from this unauthorized number are from the NDPP. They urged those who receive suspicious calls, WhatsApp messages, or other communications from someone claiming to be Mothibi to refrain from sharing personal or confidential information, transferring money, or acting on any instructions without first verifying through official NPA channels.
The prosecutorial body emphasized the seriousness of the unauthorized use of the NDPP's name, identity, and office. They assured that the matter is receiving urgent attention and that appropriate legal steps will be taken. The NPA also advised individuals who have been contacted to preserve evidence such as messages, screenshots, voice notes, call records, telephone numbers, and any requests or instructions received.
Furthermore, the NPA cautioned the public against exploiting the NDPP's office to lend credibility to fraudulent or unauthorized approaches.