Five remanded in custody in White River for fraud and corruption
These suspects were arrested in both White River and Eldorado Park in Gauteng.
A home affairs official and four South Africans were arrested in Eldorado Park, Gauteng, and White River by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team based in Mbombela, for fraud, corruption and the contravention of the Immigration Act.
Nhlanhla Mathebula (39), Mohamed Ali (36), Gabriel Samuel van der Merwe (32), Christopher Marillier (38) and Sfiso Kheswa (30) were arrested on May 19.
Investigations revealed that on October 13, 2021, Mathebula had colluded with the alleged kingpin, Ali, of Pakistan, who recruited South African citizens to offer their personal details in order for foreigners to get RSA passports in exchange for compensation.
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These South African citizens would use their particulars and prints to apply for the said passports, but when it came to capturing the photos, foreign nationals would be the ones photographed.
This was reportedly facilitated by home affairs officials after hours. The South African citizens were allegedly paid R500 each for the use of their information.
The arrested five appeared in the White River Magistrate’s Court on May 20. The case was postponed to May 25 for a formal bail application. The suspects were remanded in custody and more arrests are expected as investigations continue.
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The below pictures are the foreign nationals who were using passports with South African particulars. They are still being sought by the Hawks.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts are requested to contact the investigating officers, Capt Samson Kolobe on 071 481 3126, or WO Phelani Twala on 071 481 3437.
