The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) has warned the public about a scammer impersonating Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya.

The OCJ said the scammers are using Whatsapp to lure in unsuspecting victims.

‘According to the information available to the OCJ, the individual sent a WhatsApp message to an OCJ official requesting contact numbers of Judges. The mobile number from which the message came is 072 324 9318 and is registered on the WhatsApp application as belonging to ‘Chief Justice MM Maya’.

‘The public is warned not to fall prey to this impersonator and to be aware that impersonating a Judicial Officer is a criminal offence. The matter has already been reported to the South African Police Service.’

The office said 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.

Source: South African Government News Agency