The Hawks have arrested two more individuals linked to a passport fraud syndicate operating in KwaZulu-Natal, as part of a continued crackdown on corruption within South Africa’s Home Affairs system.
The latest arrests, made over the weekend, bring the total number of suspects detained in the investigation to 30. The group is believed to be part of a wider criminal network involved in the illegal production and sale of South African passports to foreign nationals who do not qualify for legal documentation.
According to authorities, the suspects allegedly facilitated the fraudulent capture of passport applications using the details of South African citizens in exchange for bribes. These illicit documents were then issued to individuals attempting to enter or reside in the country unlawfully.
The Hawks, working with the Department of Home Affairs’ Counter Corruption Unit, say more arrests are expected as investigations deepen. The crackdown follows a broader national effort to tighten border security, eliminate internal corruption, and protect the integrity of official identity documents.
“Criminals exploiting our identification systems will face the full might of the law,” officials said, adding that law enforcement is committed to dismantling the syndicate and holding all those involved accountable.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon on charges related to fraud, corruption, and contravention of the Immigration Act.
Authorities have encouraged citizens to report any suspected identity fraud or corruption at Home Affairs offices.
