Cape Town – Seventeen South African Department of Home Affairs officials have faced disciplinary action in 2026 over allegations that they helped facilitate identity theft by unlawfully processing identity document applications.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber disclosed the figures in a parliamentary response to African Transformation Movement MP Vuyolwethu Zungula, who sought details about investigations into identity theft within the department.
According to MyBroadband, Schreiber revealed that 35 allegations of identity theft had been investigated during the past financial year.
“35 allegations concerning identity theft were investigated in the past financial year,” Schreiber said.
He explained that investigations were aimed at identifying fraudulent identity profiles and helping victims establish their legitimate identities.
“After learning the category of the profile, [Home Affairs will] advise clients of the documents required in order to separate bona fide South Africans from those who stole South African identities,” he said.
Wider investigations
Schreiber said individuals suspected of identity theft had been formally reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for criminal investigation and prosecution, while officials allegedly involved had been referred for internal disciplinary proceedings.
The developments come amid wider investigations into corruption and document fraud within the department.
In a separate report published in February, SAnews reported that 20 Home Affairs officials had been dismissed since April 2025 as part of efforts to address corruption.
The dismissals followed a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigation into alleged document fraud, visa manipulation and networks facilitating the unlawful acquisition of South African permits.
Schreiber said at the time: “I can today announce that disciplinary processes against all implicated individuals are ongoing. A total of 20 officials have already been dismissed since April last year.”
More recently, The Citizen reported on the arrest of two Home Affairs officials accused of participating in a criminal syndicate selling fraudulent South African passports.
Luxury vehicles
The officials, Aluwani Andries Netshidaulu and Nthombifuthi Phyllis Mokwebo, appeared before the Protea Magistrate’s Court on 30 September, facing charges of racketeering, corruption, fraud and contravention of the Immigration Act.
NPA regional spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said investigators uncovered an alleged scheme in which South African citizens’ identity details were paired with photographs of foreign nationals to facilitate the unlawful issuing of passports.
Foreign nationals allegedly paid between R50 000 and R100 000 for the fraudulent documents, while implicated Home Affairs officials allegedly received between R10 000 and R15 000 per application.
“The investigation has already resulted in the seizure of luxury vehicles and the blocking and cancellation of several hundred passports believed to have been fraudulently obtained,” Mohlatlole said.
Meanwhile, the 17 officials facing disciplinary action could face up to five years’ imprisonment per offence if convicted of identity document fraud. Those found guilty of accepting bribes or other benefits to facilitate fraudulent applications could face imprisonment of up to 18 years under anti-corruption legislation.
Home Affairs has also identified the vulnerability of the green-barcoded identity document booklet as a major concern, with plans to phase it out and replace it with smart ID cards.
Schreiber has urged South Africans whose identities have been compromised to report the matter to SAPS.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
