GAUTENG – A total of twenty-nine suspects, aged between 42 and 19, are expected to appear in the Krugersdorp and Randburg Magistrates’ Courts respectively, for alleged fraud, corruption, contravention of the Immigration Act, and possession of suspected fraudulent documents on Monday, 28 March 2022.

A multi-disciplinary operation involving the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Cash In-Transit Task Team, Department of Home Affairs’ Anti-Corruption, and Johannesburg Central Tactical Response Team, was conducted on Thursday evening at the Home Affairs office in Krugersdorp which emanated from intelligence received regarding the fraudulent passports allegations countrywide.

Authorities pounced on the unsuspecting perpetrators allegedly operating and processing information as well as photos into the Home Affairs system in order to create fraudulent passports. It was reported that the alleged ringleader utilised South Africans’ identity numbers and fingerprints to manipulate the system and use the foreign national’s photos to create fraudulent passports.

Upon searching the premises, authorities found approximately R45 000 in cash wrapped in black plastic bag. The investigation team also seized three White Toyota Fortuners allegedly used as a transport mode for the suspects to be collected from Eldorado Pak and Cosmo City.

Further investigation led the team to the alleged kingpin’s house at Northcliff in Randburg where his wife and more fraudulent passports were found. She was also arrested and charged for possession of suspected fraudulent documents. Investigation continues and outstanding suspects are sought.

Source: South African Police Service