More suspects arrested for corruption at Home Affairs in KZN
Two additional suspects have been arrested in connection with a widespread passport fraud syndicate operating within the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in KwaZulu-Natal, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to seven.
The latest arrests were made by law enforcement officials in Pretoria, following an investigation launched after the Department of Home Affairs reported irregularities involving the unlawful issuance of South African passports to undocumented foreign nationals.
The alleged criminal conduct includes corruption, fraud, and violations of both the Identification Act and the Immigration Act. Authorities believe the offences were committed between February 2020 and July 2023.
According to investigators, a group of South African citizens colluded with Home Affairs officials to facilitate the fraudulent acquisition of identity documents, primarily at the DHA’s Commercial Street office in Durban.
The operation allegedly extended to other branches, including those in Isipingo, Durban Central, and Eshowe.
It is alleged that these transactions were carried out after hours—on evenings, weekends, and even public holidays — when DHA offices were officially closed.
South African participants were reportedly paid between R300 and R1 000 to cooperate in the scheme.
The Serious Corruption Investigation unit is currently handling the case.
The two latest suspects are scheduled to appear today at the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
According to police, this brings the total number of arrests in connection with the matter to 38 individuals since September 2022.
Of those arrested, seven are Home Affairs officials and 31 are private citizens.
To date, 24 people—including four DHA officials—have been convicted and handed combined sentences amounting to 310 years in prison.
“The other five suspects were arrested by the Serious Corruption Investigation on 14 June 2025 in various parts of Durban and will face charges of corruption, fraud, contravention of the Immigration Act; and contravention of the Identification Act,” said KZN police in a statement.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests as investigations continue.
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