An alleged scheme to bypass South Africa’s birth registration system has landed a Home Affairs official and an accomplice in handcuffs after Hawks investigators uncovered the suspected fraudulent processing of late birth certificates for two children, allegedly in exchange for a bribe.
The two suspects, aged 37 and 40, were arrested after an intensive investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit in Musina into alleged fraud and corruption linked to the unlawful registration of births at the Malamulele Department of Home Affairs office in July 2019.
According to Hawks spokesperson in Limpopo Colonel Avele Fumba, a Home Affairs official attached to the Births and Deaths Registration Section allegedly facilitated the late registration of birth certificates for two children without following the legal procedures required by law.
“It is further alleged that the process was influenced by the receipt of an unlawful gratification, the amount of which is yet to be determined,” said Fumba.
The investigation revealed that one of the suspects allegedly approached his cousin for help in securing late birth registration certificates for his biological children after the death of their foreign national mother, reportedly so the children could be admitted to school.
“It is alleged that the cousin provided a copy of her identity document, after which the documentation was allegedly processed, resulting in the issuance of the birth certificates on the same day without the required legal procedures being followed,” Fumba said.
The alleged fraud began to unravel when a vigilant school official spotted inconsistencies on the children’s birth certificates during the admission process. Although the documents listed the cousin as the children’s mother, the official knew she was not their biological parent.
The matter was promptly reported to the Department of Home Affairs, triggering a criminal investigation by the Hawks.
Fumba also revealed that upon completion of the investigation, the Hawks secured J50 warrants of arrest for three suspects. Two were subsequently traced and arrested in Musina and Tshikhudini (Muswodi), while efforts to locate and arrest the third suspect are continuing.
Meanwhile, Limpopo Hawks provincial head Major General Gopz Govender warned that abuse of public office would not go unpunished.
“The credibility of our country’s identity management system depends on strict adherence to the law and the ethical conduct of those entrusted with its administration. The Hawks will continue to act decisively against anyone who allegedly abuses public office.”
The two arrested suspects are expected to appear before the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on July 27 to face charges of fraud and corruption.
