Zimbabwean allegedly runs fake South African ID ‘factory’ in Joburg

A Zimbabwean national has been arrested in Johannesburg after police allegedly uncovered an operation manufacturing fraudulent South African identity cards.

The arrest followed information received by police on Wednesday, 9 September, about a man allegedly recruiting people who wanted South African smart identity cards.

According to police, the operation also involved the production of forged bank statements and payslips.

Police seize 22 blank SA identity cards

Following verification of the information, police conducted an operation in the Hillbrow policing precinct.

The search resulted in the seizure of six South African smart identity cards and 22 blank smart identity cards.

Police also confiscated a laptop and a smart card printing machine allegedly used in the operation.

A Zimbabwean national was subsequently arrested and is expected to appear in court soon.

Police did not disclose the identity of the suspect or provide details about the charges he is expected to face.

Investigation into fake SA IDs continues

The arrest comes as police continue investigating the alleged fraudulent-document operation.

It is not yet clear how long the operation had been running or how many people may have obtained fraudulent documents through it.

Police have warned members of the public against becoming involved in the illegal manufacture or acquisition of fraudulent identity documents and other forged paperwork.

The South African identity document system is frequently targeted by fraudsters seeking to create false identities or obtain documentation for people who do not qualify for it.

Police urged anyone with information about illegal activities in their communities to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or anonymously report information through the MySAPS App.

The suspect is expected to appear in court as the investigation continues.