OCJ warns public after WhatsApp account impersonates Justice Dumisani Zondi

The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) has warned the public and media to verify communications after an individual used the name and likeness of Supreme Court of Appeal Deputy President Justice Dumisani Zondi on WhatsApp.

What the OCJ said

The OCJ said it received information that messages purporting to be from Justice Dumisani Zondi were being sent on WhatsApp while using a profile picture of his likeness. The mobile number from which the messages were sent is 076 208 2834, and it is registered on WhatsApp as belonging to “Justice Dumisani Zondi”, the office said.

The OCJ urged members of the public not to fall prey to the impersonator and warned that misrepresenting a state of affairs knowing that it is not true, to the prejudice of another person, amounts to fraud. The matter will be reported to the relevant authorities for further handling, according to the office.

“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,”

Context and past incidents

The warning follows a number of similar incidents the OCJ has highlighted. In August, the office warned about an individual impersonating Acting Judge President Zamani Nhlangulela using the judge’s profile picture and a WhatsApp number registered in his name. In June, the OCJ dismissed a fraudulent declaration circulated on social media that was falsely attributed to Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, saying the declaration and signature were fraudulent.

Previous warnings have also involved retired Constitutional Court Justice Chris Jafta and Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the OCJ said, underscoring repeated attempts to use judicial officers’ identities to circulate fraudulent communications.

What the OCJ asks of the public

The OCJ requested that the public and media contact the office to verify the authenticity of any communication, directive, article or social media post that purports to be from a judge.