FIVE REMANDED IN CUSTODY FOR FRAUD AND CORRUPTION
MPUMALANGA – Nhlanhla Mathebula (39), Mohamed Ali (36), Gabriel Samuel Van der Merwe (32), Christopher Marillier (38), Sfiso Kheswa (30), were arrested by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team based in Nelspruit on Thursday,19 May 2022 at Eldorado Park in Gauteng and White River for fraud, Corruption and Contravention of Immigration Act.
Investigation revealed that on 13 October 2021 Mathebula colluded with the alleged kingpin, Ali from Pakistan who recruited South African citizens to offer their personal details in order for foreigners to get RSA passports using them in exchange for payment.
South African citizens would use their particulars and prints to apply for the said passports but when it comes to capturing the photo, foreign nationals will be the ones captured. Home Affairs officials reportedly facilitated this after hours. The SA citizens were allegedly paid R500 00 each for the utilisation of their particulars by foreign nationals.
The five appeared before the White River Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 20 May 2022 and the case was postponed to 25 May 2022, for a formal bail application. The suspects were remanded in custody and more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonym
