OCJ warns after fraudster impersonates Acting Judge President Zamani Nhlangulela on WhatsApp

The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) has warned the public about an individual impersonating Acting Judge President Zamani Nhlangulela of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court. The OCJ said the impersonation was brought to its attention on Sunday, 24 August 2026.

How the impersonation is taking place

The OCJ said the impersonator has been sending WhatsApp messages using Nhlangulela’s profile picture and a mobile number registered in his name. According to the statement, the messages were designed to mislead recipients into believing they were communicating with the Acting Judge President.

OCJ statement and planned action

“It has come to the attention of the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) that there is an individual impersonating Acting Judge President Zamani Nhlangulela,”

The OCJ confirmed that the matter will be reported to the relevant authorities for further handling. The office also urged verification before trusting purported communications from judges:

“Members of the public and media are requested to contact the OCJ to verify the authenticity of any communication, directive, article, or social media post that purports to be that of a Judge,”

Warning on harm and earlier incidents

The judiciary stressed that impersonation of judicial officers undermines public trust and can cause serious harm. The warning was issued as part of broader efforts to safeguard the integrity of the courts and protect citizens from fraudulent schemes.

The OCJ noted a related incident earlier in the year: in January the office raised concerns about an individual impersonating Chief Justice Mandisa Maya’s personal assistant. The OCJ said the impersonator had contacted a senior government official via WhatsApp Messenger, attempting to obtain the contact or cell phone number(s) of a “certain person.”

What the OCJ defines as fraud

In its statement the OCJ reminded the public that “misrepresenting a state of affairs, knowing that it is not true, to the prejudice of someone else is fraud.” The office warned the public not to fall prey to the impersonator.