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In one of the most successful under-cover intelligence driven operations, the SAPS has again managed to crack one of the biggest syndicates that is bent on the issuing of fraudulent passports, marriage certificates, permanent residence permits and other types of certificates as well as permits.

The increase in the issuing of fraudulent documents throughout the country has become a matter for serious concern, not only for the police but also for the Department of Home Affairs. As a result the SAPS management as well as the office of the Director-General of the Department of Home Affairs are on daily basis working more closely with the view of effectively dealing with corruption that seems to have taken root in some of the Government officials employed in various Departments which are responsible for the issuing of various certificates, permits and licences.

The healthy co-operation between the South African Police Service management and the office of the Director-General of the Department of Home Affairs has to date proved to be bearing fruit in that already the following successes have been achieved:

* Two employees from the Department of Home Affairs, i.e. Philip Sechele and Julie Moaga, were arrested during August this year. The arrest follows an incident wherein a vehicle belonging to the Department of Home Affairs carrying 4 000 blank passports destined for delivery at Civitas Building was hijacked. Intensive investigation into the incident saw the police recovering 2 759 stolen passports in a house in Ga-Rankuwa (Pretoria) - case still pending.

* A prominent Chinese businessman, Mr Wei Wang, who allegedly owns several businesses in Pretoria was also apprehended and sentenced to three years imprisonment. Mr Wang was convicted on a charge of being in possession of a fraudulent Permanent Residence permit.

* Two Bulgarian nationals, namely Boris Lucher and Mariela Kazakova, were arrested at Johannesburg International Airport after being found in possession of false passports. Both men appeared in court and it was ordered that they be deported back to their country of origin.

* A 35-year old Ms Maria Serepa, who is believed to be the owner of Maria Consultant Immigration and Migration Agency in Pretoria, was also arrested for fraud. The accused is believed to have been operating directly with certain individuals in the Department of Home Affairs in issuing fraudulent certificates and permits. Furthermore, a 35-year old hair salon owner (in Pretoria) believed to be a non-South African was also arrested. Preliminary investigations have so far linked the two to the scam. More arrests are imminent.

* Two Home Affairs officials employed at Beitbridge were arrested for assisting Malawian nationals from crossing the border. The two officials, Annabeth Pepete and Anna Mostert, appeared in court and released on bail pending further investigation on the incident.

* A Pakistani national, Mr Khalid Mohammed, was arrested at Beitbridge for being in possession of a fraudulent passport. The accused appeared in court and it was ordered that he be deported to his country of origin.

* As SAPS management, we remain committed towards uprooting corruption wherever it is infested. We further wish to sound a strong warning to whoever is involved in these acts that he/she has no place to run to as the SAPS is not alone in this battle, but enjoying the unqualified support from other Government Departments.

Enquiries: Director Phuti Setati at 082 808 4535

Issued by: SAPS, Office of the Divisional Commissioner: Crime Intelligence, 30 October 2001