Hawks arrest two in Limpopo over alleged Home Affairs birth-registration fraud

The Hawks in Limpopo have arrested two people accused of fraud and corruption after an investigation into alleged unlawful late birth registrations at the Malamulele Department of Home Affairs office.

Who was arrested and why

The suspects, aged 37 and 40, were arrested following an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit in Musina. They are expected to appear before the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on Monday, July 27, 2026, on charges of fraud and corruption.

Allegations from the probe

The investigation relates to an incident that allegedly occurred on July 10, 2019, at the Malamulele office of the Department of Home Affairs. A Home Affairs official attached to the Births and Deaths Registration Section is alleged to have facilitated the issuance of late birth certificates for two children without complying with prescribed legal procedures.

“It is further alleged that the process was influenced by the receipt of an unlawful gratification, the amount of which is yet to be determined.”

How the alleged scheme unfolded

According to the Hawks, one suspect approached his cousin to help obtain late birth certificates for his biological children after their foreign-national mother died. The cousin allegedly provided a copy of her identity document and the documentation was processed, resulting in birth certificates being issued on the same day without the required legal procedures.

The alleged irregularities were spotted by a school official who noticed discrepancies on the birth certificates showing the cousin as the children’s mother, despite knowing she was not their biological parent. The matter was reported to the Department of Home Affairs and referred to the Hawks for criminal investigation.

Warrants and further arrests

Following the investigation, 50 warrants of arrest were issued for three suspects. Two suspects were traced and arrested in Musina and Tshikhudini (Muswodi), while efforts to trace and arrest the third suspect are continuing.

Response from Hawks leadership

Limpopo Hawks provincial head Major General (Adv.) Gopz Govender welcomed the arrests. He said:

“The credibility of our country’s identity management system depends on strict adherence to the law and the ethical conduct of those entrusted with its administration,”

and added:

“The Hawks will continue to act decisively against anyone who allegedly abuses public office.”

What happens next

The two arrested suspects are due to appear in the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on July 27, 2026. The amount said to have been paid as unlawful gratification has not been determined, according to the Hawks.