In a concerning development within South Africa’s Home Affairs, Lindiwe Kubheka, 45, has been arrested for her alleged involvement in a passport fraud scheme alongside two Ethiopian nationals—Abdo Mustefu Musa, 44, and Mike Alex Abete, 38.
The Mpumalanga Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, confirmed the arrests following a tip-off about the illicit activities.
Details of the Undercover Operation
According to Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, the investigation commenced after authorities received credible information regarding the fake stamping of expired passports. An undercover operation was implemented, during which Abete was allegedly paid R20,000 to stamp the expired documents. However, he failed to follow through on the agreed collection of these passports.
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Subsequent Legal Proceedings
The operation led to a warrant for the arrest of all involved, executed on September 16, 2024. Officials discovered a substantial cache of documents from both the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Transport during a search.
After a thorough questioning process, it was revealed that Musa and Kubheka had received money along with the passports. Each of the trio appeared in the Eerstehoek Magistrate’s Court on September 17, 2024, subsequently being granted bail of R3,000. They are scheduled for a further court appearance on November 5, 2024.
