Two Home Affairs officials granted bail over alleged passport fraud

Two Home Affairs officials accused of being linked to an alleged passport-fraud syndicate have been granted bail of R5,000 each in the Germiston Magistrates’ Court.

David Motsamai, 35, and Lufu Mulaudzi, 39, were stationed at the Germiston Home Affairs office when the alleged offences took place.

They face multiple counts of fraud, as well as alternative charges relating to alleged contraventions of the Immigration Act.

The case was postponed to 26 October 2026 for transfer to the Regional Court.

Investigation into alleged passport scheme began in 2021

According to Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole, the investigation into the alleged syndicate began in 2021 under Project Humulani.

Investigators allegedly uncovered a scheme in which the identity details of South African citizens were used unlawfully in passport applications. The State alleges that photographs of the citizens were replaced with images of foreign nationals.

The alleged process was intended to allow foreign nationals to obtain South African passports fraudulently while concealing their actual identities and immigration status.

Officials accused of acting with others

The State alleges that Motsamai and Mulaudzi acted together with other individuals, some of whom have not yet been identified.

The charges relate to multiple alleged incidents involving the misuse of South African citizens’ identity details in passport applications processed at the Germiston Home Affairs office.

The allegations have not been proven in court, and the accused remain entitled to the presumption of innocence.

NPA highlights importance of passport security

Mohlatlole said the NPA welcomed progress under Project Humulani in addressing alleged corruption and criminal activity involving South African identity and travel documents.

The authority emphasised that protecting the integrity of the country’s identity and passport systems was important for public confidence and effective immigration management.

The NPA said it would continue working with law enforcement agencies to investigate alleged criminal syndicates and bring those implicated before the courts where the evidence supports prosecution.

The matter is expected to return to court on 26 October for transfer to the Regional Court.