A Zimbabwean national has been sentenced to prison in South Africa after investigators uncovered that he used a fraudulent permanent residence permit to secure senior employment positions, including a highly paid chief financial officer role with an annual salary of more than R1.6 million. The case, which dates back to documents supposedly issued when he was still a young child, has drawn national attention and raised new concerns about the scale of immigration-related fraud within South Africa’s public institutions.
The man at the centre of the scandal, Kudakwashe Mpofu, was convicted and sentenced by the Mmabatho Regional Court on 12 November 2025. According to a statement released by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Mpofu received a three-year prison term on the first count of fraud. However, the court ruled that this sentence could be converted to correctional supervision, depending on further assessments. In addition, he received another three-year sentence that was wholly suspended for five years, on the strict condition that he does not commit any further fraud- or corruption-related offence during that period.
Mpofu’s conviction follows an extensive investigation by the SIU, during which the troubling foundation of his professional rise was laid bare. The SIU reported that Mpofu admitted to purchasing a fake South African permanent residence permit for R3,000 — roughly US$160 — from a private individual with no affiliation to the Department of Home Affairs. This forged document became the cornerstone of his ability to remain in the country after the expiry of his legitimate student visa, setting the stage for a fraudulent career progression spanning several years.
Zimbabwean Sentenced for Using Fake Papers to Obtain Lucrative R1.6 Million Position in South Africa
The SIU’s investigation uncovered more than just one falsified permit. The agency revealed that Mpofu had amassed an entire portfolio of counterfeit immigration documents, some of which claimed he held special visa statuses as far back as 1996. At that time, he would have been only five years old. Among the documents seized were a Critical/Exceptional Skills Visa, a work permit, and an exemption certificate — all clearly fabricated and inconsistent with both his age and legal records.
In a statement, the SIU highlighted the extent of the deception: “An SIU investigation also uncovered several other fraudulent documents in his possession, including a Critical/Exceptional Skills Visa, a work permit and an exemption certificate dated 1996, when he was only five years old.” The agency noted that these documents enabled Mpofu not only to live in South Africa illegally but also to access employment opportunities that required strict vetting and legitimate residency status.
With false papers in hand, Mpofu secured a well-paying position as an assets manager at the North West Development Corporation (NWDC), an entity responsible for state-owned development and investment projects. In this role, he earned an estimated R900,000 per year — around US$48,000 — placing him among the corporation’s senior management. His rapid rise did not end there. He was eventually promoted to the executive position of chief financial officer, a role that came with an annual salary of R1.63 million (about US$87,000).
Beyond employment benefits, Mpofu also used his fraudulent documents to obtain a South African driver’s licence and secure vehicle financing. According to the SIU, these transactions allowed him to acquire high-end vehicles, including a Land Rover Sport, a BMW 3 Series, and a Ford Ranger. This finding, investigators said, demonstrated the broad scope of financial advantages he gained through forged paperwork.
Remarkably, the case was not triggered by an internal audit or review at the NWDC. Instead, it originated from an anonymous tip-off submitted to the Department of Home Affairs in 2023. This report aligned with the SIU’s broader investigation into systemic visa and permit fraud, an inquiry launched to identify individuals who may have obtained legal status through corrupt or illegal means. Once enough evidence was compiled, the SIU handed the complete docket over to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which proceeded with criminal charges.
In its concluding remarks, the SIU emphasised that the conviction underscored the strength of inter-agency cooperation: “The outcome demonstrates strong collaboration with the NPA and sends a clear warning about the consequences of using fraudulent immigration documents to obtain state employment and other benefits.” The agency added that the case should serve as a deterrent to individuals attempting similar schemes, while also reinforcing the need for stronger verification systems within government departments.
Mpofu’s conviction has reignited calls for improved safeguards within the Department of Home Affairs and state-owned entities. As South Africa continues efforts to strengthen immigration compliance, this case stands as a stark example of how forged documents can distort public hiring, undermine border systems, and enable individuals to access millions in state-funded salaries and benefits.
Source- iHarare
