Office of Chief Justice Warned of Impersonation Scam
Authorities issued a public alert regarding a fraudster posing as Acting Justice Tembeka Ngcukaitobi on WhatsApp.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Financial Crime
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The Office of the Chief Justice has alerted the South African public to a scammer impersonating Acting Justice Tembeka Ngcukaitobi. The perpetrator has been using a mobile number to contact individuals via WhatsApp while using a photo of the judge to appear legitimate.
Why it matters
Fraudsters frequently use the names of prominent public figures to manipulate victims and gain illicit access or information. This warning serves to protect South Africans from falling victim to identity theft and potential financial exploitation.
The Office of the Chief Justice has identified mobile number 079 139 2620 as the tool used in the impersonation scheme. The agency intends to report the individual to law enforcement authorities for further investigation.
The players
Office of the Chief Justice
This is the administrative body responsible for supporting the Chief Justice and the judiciary in the administration of justice across South Africa.
Tembeka Ngcukaitobi
He is a prominent legal professional serving as an Acting Justice within the South African judiciary.
The details
The impersonator registered a WhatsApp account under the name Justice T Ngcukaitobi and utilised a profile picture resembling the acting judge to deceive targets. The Office of the Chief Justice is actively working to address this fraudulent activity and warn the public against engaging with the number.
Timeline
The Office of the Chief Justice issued the official warning on 13 October 2026.
Legal Context
This impersonation attempt aligns with a broader trend of digital fraud where perpetrators exploit the names of public officials to commit crime. The legal system continues to grapple with the increasing prevalence of online deception as a standard component of modern cyber-related criminal activity.
Residents should exercise extreme caution if they receive messages from the number 079 139 2620 or any account claiming to represent a judicial official. The public is advised not to engage with the account and to report any suspicious communication to local law enforcement authorities.
The takeaway
Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a public official through official channels before sharing sensitive information. Digital impersonation is a serious threat, and remaining vigilant online is the best defence against such scams.
Further reading
Learn more about how to protect yourself from deceptive tactics by visiting our Financial Crime section.
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