- A 33-year-old Zimbabwean man faced the Mmabatho Magistrate Court in North West Province on fraud charges.
- Kudakwashe Mpofu was arrested after securing the position of CFO at the North West Development Corporation using a fraudulent residency permit.
- Before authorities flagged his fraudulent permit, Mpofu earned over R3 million in salary, sparking a full-blown investigation into his actions.
Tebogo Mokwena, a passionate Briefly News journalist with a knack for current affairs, has covered international and local social issues such as health, corruption, education, unemployment, labor disputes, service delivery protests, and immigration in South Africa. Over seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News, he has provided insightful analysis and reporting.
MMABATHO, NORTH WEST — Kudakwashe Mpofu, a Zimbabwean national who allegedly used a fake residency permit to secure a high-ranking government job, appeared in court in the North West Province on January 29, 2025. This case highlights the ongoing struggle against fraud and corruption within South Africa's public sector.
What Led to Mpofu's Arrest?
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), Mpofu applied for a position at the North West Development Corporation in 2023. Initially hired as an asset manager, he quickly climbed the ranks to become the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). During his tenure, Mpofu reportedly earned a staggering R3 million in salary. However, red flags were raised when his fraudulent residency permit came to light, prompting the Hawks to intervene. Mpofu was subsequently arrested and appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrate Court, where his case was postponed to February 3, 2025, for a formal bail hearing.
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In March 2024, former Minister of Home Affairs Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi called for the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe Mpofu's fake residence permit after a criminal case was opened against him. Following this revelation, Mpofu was suspended from his position. Meanwhile, other cases of alleged fraud have emerged, including one involving former Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Adetshina, whose citizenship was questioned after claims of potential identity theft and fraud surfaced.
Public Reaction: Not Surprising
The news of Mpofu's arrest didn't come as a shock to many South Africans, who expressed their thoughts on social media platforms like Facebook. The comments reflect a mix of frustration and disbelief over how such schemes can go undetected for so long.
Botlhokwa Bantshagongwe commented:
"This is South Africa for you. A country where illegal immigrants from other African countries live very comfortable lives."
Sipho Tymon Miyo added:
"He must reveal the person or people who provided him with those fraudulent documents. There's no way he could have done this alone."
Mpho Sally shared her surprise:
"I'm shocked that his arrest only happened now. This incident was reported back in 2023, so why did it take so long to act?"
Siphiwe Biyela demanded accountability:
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"Make him pay back every cent he fraudulently earned, with interest. Justice must be served."
Vee Vee summed it up succinctly:
"That's South Africa for you. Corruption seems to be part of the system."
Corruption Uncovered at Home Affairs
In a separate report, Briefly News revealed that Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber exposed widespread corruption within the department. Officials were allegedly selling identity documents to foreign nationals for amounts ranging from R1,000 to R45,000. Schreiber described these actions as treasonous, emphasizing that such behavior undermines national security and the integrity of the country.
Schreiber vowed to take decisive action, stating that heads would roll as a result of the investigation. His commitment to rooting out corruption signals a potential turning point in addressing systemic issues within the department. As South Africa continues to grapple with challenges related to immigration and identity fraud, cases like Mpofu's serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for reform and accountability.
