A major suspected passport fraud operation has been disrupted in Mpumalanga, with police arresting a Zimbabwean national in possession of 582 passports and R147,300 in cash. The bust, which took place on Monday, 8 December 2025, points to a sophisticated scheme allegedly designed to bypass South Africa’s immigration laws.
A multi-disciplinary police team, acting on intelligence, stopped a white Chevrolet utility vehicle in the province. A search revealed a hidden compartment packed with hundreds of passports from several countries. Police also seized a large sum of money, some of which was found stashed inside the passports themselves.
“Cash Was Meant For Payment For Stamps”
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe was direct about the suspected criminal activity. He stated that the driver was likely on his way to finalise the illicit deal.
“Investigation thus far suggests that the driver was probably going to meet someone the next day to have the passports stamped. Police are of the view that the recovered cash was meant for payment.”
The 43-year-old Zimbabwean suspect now faces charges of fraud, money laundering, and contravention of the Immigration Act. His vehicle has been confiscated as part of the ongoing probe.
Targeting Corruption Within Our Borders
The arrest shines a harsh light on the illegal practice where undocumented foreign nationals, primarily from visa-exempt neighbouring countries, pay to have their passports falsely stamped. This fraud, often facilitated by so-called omalayitsha (cross-border transporters), creates a fake exit record. It allows individuals to remain in South Africa illegally to work, undermining the country’s immigration system and often involving the alleged corruption of officials.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, sent a strong message that the net may widen.
“We are following up this matter and will not leave any stone unturned. At this stage, the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out. We will ensure that those who are involved are brought to book.”
A Recurring Challenge For South African Authorities
This case is part of a worrying pattern of incidents targeting the integrity of South Africa’s borders. Local publication IOL has documented similar cases, including a 2024 report where a Border Management Authority (BMA) officer was arrested for allegedly taking a R1,000 bribe for an illegal stamp.
Commenting on a separate 2024 bust of 34 passports at the Lebombo border, BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi highlighted the ongoing vigilance required.
“During routine inspection, the BMA Border Guards discovered 34 passports accompanied by bank notes in the suspect’s possession.”
The scale of this latest seizure, however, is unprecedented. The inclusion of passports from Malawi and Mozambique suggests a wider regional network may be operating. South African authorities are now investigating to identify any local contacts or corrupt officials involved in the alleged scheme.