Johannesburg – A Zimbabwean national has been arrested in Johannesburg for allegedly manufacturing fraudulent South African identity documents.
Police said the arrest followed information received on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, about a man allegedly recruiting people seeking South African smart identity cards, as well as forged bank statements and payslips.
After verifying the information, police conducted an operation in the Hillbrow policing precinct, resulting in the seizure of six South African smart identity cards, 22 blank smart identity cards, a laptop and a smart card printing machine.
“The operation resulted in the search and seizure of six SA smart identity cards, 22 blank SA smart identity cards, a laptop and a smart card printing machine,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.
The suspect is expected to appear in court soon.
Police said investigations into the case are continuing and warned the public against involvement in the manufacture or acquisition of fraudulent identity documents and other forged paperwork.
“Police would like to warn members of the public against participating in the illegal manufacture or acquisition of fraudulent identity documents and other forged documentation,” SAPS said.
Anyone with information about suspected illegal activities can contact the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or provide information anonymously through the MySAPS app.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
