Police Bust Secret Office Facilitating Fake Marriages in Durban
In a significant breakthrough, South African police have dismantled a hidden Home Affairs office allegedly aiding illegal fake marriages and spousal visa fraud in Greyville, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
The undercover office, which reportedly connected South African women with undocumented foreign nationals for fraudulent marriages, has led to the arrest of three suspects in an intelligence-led operation.
Also Read: Nigerian Drug Mule Busted At OR Tambo With Cocaine Hidden In Headphones
Suspicious Activity Uncovered in Greyville
According to Zimoja, during the raid, police seized numerous items pointing to widespread fraud, including application forms, ID copies, and electronic devices. According to authorities, the suspects allegedly used the identity documents of South African women to forge marriages with undocumented foreign nationals. This allowed these foreign nationals to fraudulently secure South African citizenship.
Police Target Official Collaboration
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda revealed that preliminary investigations have identified a Home Affairs official who had been collaborating with the suspects.
“This arrest marks a significant step, but we anticipate further arrests as the investigation unfolds,” Netshiunda stated.
The clandestine operation is believed to have had an extensive network, prompting authorities to widen their probe.
Charges and Evidence Concealment
Of the three suspects, two men are set to face fraud charges, while a woman will be charged with attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
According to Netshiunda, the woman attempted to conceal evidence by tearing documents and discarding them in a bin.
“Of the three suspects, two men will be charged with fraud and the woman will face a charge of defeating the ends of justice after she attempted to conceal evidence by tearing some of the documents and throwing them inside a bin,” Netshiunda said.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court today, where more details about their alleged roles in the fraudulent scheme may come to light.