IDAC Warns Public After Imposter Uses Acting Head’s Name To Seek Case Information
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has warned members of the public about an imposter posing as its Acting Head, Advocate Ntuthuzelo Vanara.
According to IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame, the imposter has been using Vanara’s name and image to contact people linked to a matter before court and solicit sensitive information.
Mamothame said the cellphone number being used by the imposter does not belong to Vanara.
“The information on the imposter’s conduct was brought to the attention of the Acting ID by law enforcement officers,” Mamothame said.
He said the matter would be referred to the police for investigation.
A screenshot shared by IDAC shows the imposter communicating with Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, a state witness in the corruption and money-laundering trial of former Defence Minister and National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
In the conversation, the imposter allegedly encouraged Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu to persevere with the court proceedings and referred to Mapisa-Nqakula’s denial of the allegations against her.
IDAC urged members of the public to remain vigilant and independently verify anyone claiming to represent Vanara or the directorate before sharing information.
The directorate also strongly condemned the impersonation and said Vanara remains focused on his responsibilities at IDAC.
Vanara was appointed Acting Head of IDAC by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, in consultation with National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi, on 3 September 2026. He took over following the resignation of Advocate Andrea Johnson.
Vanara is serving in the role on secondment from the Special Investigating Unit, where he is Chief Legal Counsel.
Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering. The State alleges that she solicited and received about R4.5 million from Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, a defence contractor, between 2016 and 2019. Mapisa-Nqakula has pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations. The case is continuing in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.
