Uncovering a Fraudulent Operation Marrying South African Women to Undocumented Foreigners in Durban
In a shocking discovery on Monday, Durban police uncovered a fraudulent “home affairs office” where unsuspecting South African women were illegally married off to undocumented foreign nationals. Three suspects were arrested at a building on Matthews Meyiwa Road in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), as they reportedly facilitated marriages using fake documentation to grant foreign nationals South African citizenship.
Police Uncover Fraudulent Marriage Operation
A specialized police team, comprising the Metro Police Tactical Support Unit, the Sydenham Trio Task Team, and home affairs immigration officers, raided the premises. Upon inspection, they seized several application forms, identity document copies, and electronic devices linked to the illicit operations.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda disclosed that three suspects were taken into custody and hinted at the possibility of additional arrests. According to Netshiunda, “The suspects would get hold of identity documents of South African women and marry them to strangers, especially undocumented foreign nationals so that the fake husbands would attain South African citizenship.”
Involvement of Home Affairs Official
The investigation has also revealed the involvement of an official from the Department of Home Affairs who allegedly colluded with the suspects. This collaboration between insiders and the syndicate facilitated the processing of these fraudulent marriages, putting South African women in potentially dangerous legal situations.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Of the three suspects, two men face fraud charges, while a woman is charged with obstructing justice. She reportedly attempted to conceal evidence by tearing up documents and discarding them in a bin. The suspects are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Durban Police Intensify Efforts to Combat Document Fraud
This bust highlights ongoing efforts by the Durban police to clamp down on fraud within the city. Authorities are now scrutinizing other possible cases involving document fraud and illegal immigration, aiming to dismantle similar operations that exploit South African women and misuse the country’s legal system.
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