POLOKWANE – The Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit has arrested three suspects in connection with a fraud scheme involving the unlawful issuing of identity documents to illegal immigrants.

The arrests follow complaints submitted on June 26 and August 23, 2024 by a Department of Home Affairs investigator, who flagged suspicious activity at the Senwamokgope Home Affairs office.

The Limpopo police spokesperson, Col Malesela Ledwaba said two women and one man were accused of issuing ID books to individuals not legally eligible to receive them.

“The matter was referred to the Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit which launched a thorough investigation. Case dockets were registered at the Sekgosese Police Station in the Mopani District and later referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions who authorised warrants for all three suspects,” his statement read.

Ledwaba said coordinated operations in Limpopo and Gauteng led to the arrests of Jackson Mashapa Mantlhakga (37), Elisabeth Motshidisi Mokoena (41), and Masesi Yvonne Lebisi (57) on Wednesday (May 21).

“The trio appeared in the Senwamokgope Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Charges against Mokoena were withdrawn pending further investigation, while Mantlhakga and Lebisi were granted bail of R2 000 each. The case was postponed to August 4 pending further investigations,” he said.

The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised the swift and effective action by the Anti-Corruption Unit.