DURBAN, South Africa — Seven individuals appeared in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday, facing charges related to a fraudulent passport syndicate that allegedly involved corrupt practices within the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
The accused are:
Mmeli Philani Trevor Zaca-Dlamini
Thandiwe Pretty Khwela
Zime Anita Shange
Fumani Hlayisi
Bongiwe Kubheka
Lindokuhle Bongumusa Mpanza
Lungisani Siyanda Mzobe
According to Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the group allegedly collaborated with Home Affairs employees to process fraudulent passport applications at DHA offices across KwaZulu-Natal.
“These applications were processed after hours, at night, on weekends, and even public holidays when DHA offices were officially closed,” said Ramkisson-Kara.
The fraudulent passports were reportedly created using legitimate ID details of South African citizens—who did not possess passports—on behalf of undeserving foreign nationals.
The Hawks, working with Home Affairs’ Counter-Corruption Unit, conducted a successful operation at the uMngeni Road and Commercial Road DHA offices. One suspect was found in possession of 226 stolen passports from the uMngeni office, along with keys to DHA offices at both uMngeni and Prospecton.
Among those arrested are:
A former DHA official from the Prospecton office
A municipal volunteer working at the Commercial Road office
Three civilians
The case has been postponed to June 20, 2025, for legal aid verification and bail applications.
Authorities have identified two additional suspects believed to be part of the syndicate, and the Hawks are continuing their search.
