The Electoral Commission warns
South Africans that an impostor is impersonating Chief Electoral Officer (CEO),
Mr Sy Mamabolo, on WhatsApp. The Commission first became aware of the impostor
earlier today, on 19 May 2024.
The Commission strongly
condemns the impersonation of the CEO as this has the potential to damage to
the reputation of the institution and undermine its preparations for the
imminent 2024 National and Provincial Elections (NPE).
The impostor is active on
WhatsApp using two numbers, the first a WhatsApp business account bearing the
profile image of the CEO, and when probed, another private account for someone
named “Moloi (IEC IT SPECIALIST)” who claims to represent CEO Mamabolo. In at
least one incident, he or she has conversed with the unsuspecting provincial
leader of a political party purporting to arrange an unlawful conduct relating
to the outcomes of the forthcoming elections.
The aim of the scam is
ostensibly monetary gain for manipulating the outcomes of the 2024 NPE in
favour of the relevant targeted recipient. The Commission wishes to reiterate
that, given the inherent controls and safeguards in the electoral process, such
an arrangement is patently impossible.
The Electoral Commission
appeals to political candidates and members of the public to contact the
Commission to verify any information should they be contacted by anyone
claiming to be CEO Mamabolo, and, if need be, to report the matter to the South
African Police Service (SAPS).
ISSUED BY THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION
Ensuring free, fair and credible elections
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