Man jailed for six years after using stolen ID to work at Brits quarry

A Potchefstroom court has sentenced 44-year-old Arlindo Fernando Timane to six years’ imprisonment after he used another person’s South African identity document to secure employment at a quarry in the Kareepoort area of Brits. The case was reported on 12 August 2026.

How the fraud was uncovered

North West police spokesperson Colonel Anne Magakoe said the scheme ran undetected for years. According to police, Timane worked at the quarry for about six years and earned roughly R900 000 during that period.

The matter came to light when the rightful ID holder contacted the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to file tax returns and discovered income from an employer he had never worked for. He reported the discrepancy to police in Brits, prompting an investigation.

Investigation and charges

Police carried out fingerprint verification with the Department of Home Affairs, which confirmed that Timane was not the legitimate holder of the identity document. Magakoe said further investigation established Timane’s nationality, leading to an additional charge under Section 49 of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002.

Investigators from the Bojanala Sub-District 1 Commercial Crime Investigation Unit gathered evidence from the employer’s human resources and finance departments, SARS, and the rightful identity holder, who was traced to Mpumalanga. That evidence strengthened the case presented by the National Prosecuting Authority.

Police response and warning

North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Adams warned against using fraudulent means to gain employment or financial benefits. “Such conduct will not be tolerated,” Adams said.

Magakoe noted that Adams “commended all role players for their diligent work in uncovering the fraudulent scheme and securing a successful prosecution.”

Case details

• Defendant: Arlindo Fernando Timane, aged 44.
• Sentence: Six years’ imprisonment for fraud.
• Location of employment: Quarry in the Kareepoort area of Brits.
• Period worked and earnings: About six years, roughly R900 000.
• Additional charge: Contravention of Section 49 of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002.