The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System has sounded the alarm over a rise in fraudulent attempts to impersonate its chairperson, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said several incidents have been reported in which individuals falsely claim to be Justice Madlanga in order to influence decisions or solicit money from members of the public and officials.
The Commission has cautioned that those found guilty of attempting to interfere with the work of the chairperson or commissioners could face a fine or imprisonment for up to six months.
According to the statement, impersonations first began when Justice Madlanga served as a judge on the Constitutional Court, prompting previous warnings from the Office of the Chief Justice. However, cases have intensified since he assumed his current role.
“Some communications are calculated to give the impression that the impersonator is the chairperson of the Commission,” the statement read. “These communications have the potential to tarnish the chairperson’s standing both personally and in his capacity as chairperson of the Commission.”
The impersonators have reportedly targeted a wide range of individuals, including private citizens, legal professionals, members of the executive, parliament, public officials and law enforcement, often using stolen images of Madlanga as WhatsApp profile photos.
It is revealed that their intentions have varied, from threatening legal practitioners and attempting to influence government decisions to extorting money, requesting financial assistance, and soliciting bribes.
The Commission believes there may be many more unreported cases.
“The impersonators may have contacted many people, potentially tarnishing his image on a large scale,” it warned.
The Commission has reported the incidents to law enforcement and urged the public and officials to remain vigilant.
“Members of the public, organs of state, public office bearers and public officials are warned not to fall prey to these impersonators,” the statement said.
Saturday Star
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