The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has issued a warning about an ongoing scam in which criminals are impersonating Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. Spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the scammers are using WhatsApp to contact individuals via fake profiles featuring the chairperson’s image.
Private citizens, lawyers, government officials, and members of the executive have all reportedly been targeted. Michaels said the impersonators have attempted to coerce attorneys in litigation, manipulate state organs, solicit bribes, and extort money from both public office bearers and private individuals.
“The impersonator or impersonators have threatened attorneys involved in litigation if they did not follow a course proposed by them. They have sought to force organs of state to act against their own interests and have requested money, including soliciting bribes,” Michaels said.
The scam, he noted, dates back to Justice Madlanga’s tenure on the Constitutional Court bench, but incidents surged after the commission began investigating allegations of criminal and political interference in the justice system.
Authorities have linked eight cellphone numbers to the scam, with two active in recent weeks. Michaels urged the public to remain vigilant.
“The commission regards these impersonations as interference in its work and has reported the matter to the relevant law enforcement agencies,” he said.