Fraudsters arrested

Premises where fraudulent Home Affairs documents and driving permits were produced was raided by Tshwane metro police (TMPD) officers last week, when they followed a taxi driver who was in possession of fake driving papers.

Patrolling officers had stopped a taxi for driving in the oncoming lane on Van Der Hoff Street, Pretoria West, on Thursday morning. After requesting the driver to produce his driving permits, the officers noticed something suspicious about the barcode on the driver’s public driver’s permit (PDP), TMPD spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said.

“After confirmation was made, the officers found that the permits were faked and the barcode was linked to a person who doesn’t even possess a driver’s licence.”

After further questioning, the taxi driver led the officers to an address at Mabopane Station, where he had purchased the documents.

“When officers arrived at the address, two suspects fled but the officers managed to apprehend one of them.”

It was discovered that the fraudsters produced other documents, including driver’s licences, birth certificates, death certificates, matric certificates and ID documents, Mahamba said.

“Laptops and computers suspected to be used to produce the documents were also found on the premises. Materials from Home Affairs and the traffic department were also among documents found.”

The other suspect was also later arrested. The alleged fraudsters, aged 33 and 42, are expected to appear in court soon. “Investigations continue and more arrests are expected,” said Mahamba.

When officers arrived, the suspects started to flee. Superintendent Isaac Mahamba Tshwane metro police spokesperson