IDAC imposter uses Ntuthuzelo Vanara’s name to solicit sensitive information - IOL

South Africans are being warned about an alleged imposter using the name and image of Ntuthuzelo Vanara.

IDAC warns South Africans after an imposter uses acting director Ntuthuzelo Vanara’s name and image to solicit sensitive information about a court matter from unsuspecting members.

South Africans are being warned about an alleged imposter using the name and image of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) Acting Head Advocate Ntuthuzelo Vanara to obtain sensitive information.

IDAC said the person behind the scheme was pretending to be Vanara and approaching members of the public about a matter before court.

The directorate has confirmed that the cellphone number being used by the imposter does not belong to Vanara.

The warning comes as Vanara serves as acting head of IDAC after being appointed to the position earlier this month.

According to IDAC, law enforcement officers brought the impersonation to Vanara’s attention.

The matter will now be referred to the police for investigation.

IDAC has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to the alleged criminal activity.

The directorate said it “strongly condemns” the conduct.

Vanara was appointed Acting Head of IDAC by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi on September 3, following the resignation of former head Advocate Andrea Johnson.

He is also the Chief Legal Counsel of the Special Investigating Unit and was appointed to the IDAC role on secondment.

IDAC said Vanara remains focused on the directorate’s Reset Project, which aims to reform the organisation and strengthen public trust as it carries out its mandate to fight corruption.

The warning serves as a reminder for members of the public to exercise caution when approached by someone claiming to represent a law enforcement or anti-corruption body, particularly when sensitive information is requested.

This version keeps the story tight and news-led, while adding only limited verified context around Vanara’s appointment from official government sources.