Two men were arrested on August 19 in Boksburg for allegedly producing and selling fake documents ranging from vehicle licensing, matric, marriage, university and medical certificates, as well as identity documents and permits.
According to EMPD spokesperson chief Supt Kelebogile Thepa, following an ongoing investigation, members of the EMPD Community Liaison Unit (CLU) intercepted a syndicate selling false vehicle licensing discs in the Boksburg area.
“It was just after 17:00 when the duo attempted to sell a fake licensing disc to one of the CLU members. A transaction was processed and upon the production of the fraudulent disc, the duo was nabbed on the spot,” explained Thepa.
“Upon further probing by the EMPD, it emerged that the syndicate is in the business of falsifying official documents.”
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They were found in possession of fake documents, including vehicle licensing discs, birth and death certificates, asylums, decree of divorce, work permits, registration of motor vehicles, certificates or import motor vehicle clearance, certificates and bachelor’s degrees, matric certificates, various medical practitioner certificates, ‘Covid-free certificates’, liquor licences, certificate of acceptability to conduct business, clearance certificate on financial revenue, registration certificates for a non-government organisation (NGO), falsified payslips, falsified bank statements and compliance certificate for fire service and maintenance.
“Various implements, including a computer alleged to be used in the commission of the offence, were seized from the scene.
“The spurious documents were further confirmed by officials of the Home Affairs, Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), Monitoring and Evaluation section of the EMPD.”
The two male suspects were charged with fraud, forgery and utterance. Added to these is a charge of defeating and obstructing the ends of justice.
The pair is detained at the Boksburg SAPS and expected to appear in court soon.
The community is further urged to report acts of criminality to the nearest SAPS or the Ekurhuleni hotline on 086 0543 000.
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