MPUMALANGA – A total of five accused, Nhlanhla Mathebula (39), Mohamed Ali (36), Gabriel Samuel Van der Merwe (32), Christopher Marillier (38), Sfiso Kheswa (30), were arrested by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team based in Nelspruit on Thursday, 19 May 2022 at Eldorado Park in Gauteng and White River for fraud, Corruption and Contravention of Immigration Act.
Investigation revealed that on 13 October 2021 Mathebula colluded with the alleged kingpin, Ali from Pakistan who recruited South African citizens to offer their personal details in order for foreigners to get RSA passports using them in exchange for payment.
South African citizens would use their particulars and prints to apply for the said passports but when it comes to capturing of the photo, foreign nationals will be the ones captured. This was reportedly facilitated by Home Affairs officials after hours. The SA citizens were allegedly paid R500.00 each for the utilisation of their particulars by the foreign nationals.
The five appeared before the White River Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 20 May 2022 and the case is postponed to 25 May 2022, for a formal bail application. The suspects were remanded in custody and more arrests are expected as investigation continues.
Source: South African Police Service