Five year ID terror ordeal after accidentally washed his pants AND the precious document

Not having an Identity Document (ID) nowadays is an ordeal no one wants to go through – especially with all the crime associated with identity theft. Having one’s ID stolen or lost is a nightmare, but having an ID and being told your ID number is being used by someone else is horrifying.
Phendulani Khumalo (38) has attempted to apply for a new ID for the past five years, with little or no help from the Department of Home Affairs.
This nightmare dates back to 2013 when he washed his pants not knowing his ID book was in a pocket – and that is how it became damaged.
When he went to the Department of Home Affairs he gave in an affidavit and they took his fingerprints which proved that he was the rightful owner of the ID book.
He has then been given the run around by the Department ever since. Phendulani first went to the police station in 2013 to get an affidavit confirming that his ID was damaged. When he went to Dundee Home Affairs where he was asked to bring his parents’ marriage certificate, which he did and he was told to wait for his ID.

“I have done everything in my power to resolve this matter, but it’s out of my hands now. Even the bank is now refusing to accept my damaged ID book,” he cried.

“I spoke with Mr Mncube at Home Affairs and the manager and they did not try to assist me. They just gave me the call centre number which I have been calling to no avail up until today,” said the frustrated Phendulani.
“In 2015 I went to the Home Affairs in Durban thinking maybe I would get help, but to my surprise, I didn’t. Instead, I was told that my ID is being used by someone else,” he added. Phendulani even took it upon himself to go to the Head Office of Home Affairs in Pretoria and even there he was told to wait for two months with no proper explanation.
“I have done everything in my power to resolve this matter, but it’s out of my hands now. Even the bank is now refusing to accept my damaged ID book,” he cried.
Phendulani is scared of losing his job as he can’t use his ID book at work anymore nor anywhere else.
His life is at a complete standstill and says “he feels like a dead man walking”.
The Courier tried calling Home Affairs in Dundee but to no avail. The telephone rang endlessly and the contact centre number (080 060 1190) is continuously busy.
If there is anyone that can assist Phendulani please contact him on 072 889 9531.