Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, Deputy Echo Editor
A 43-year-old Zimbabwean man has been arrested in South Africa after police allegedly found him with 582 passports and more than R147 000 in cash hidden in his vehicle, in what is suspected to be part of a major cross-border immigration and fraud syndicate.
The arrest was confirmed by the South African Police Service (Saps) following a multi-disciplinary operation involving the Middelburg Flying Squad, Nkangala District Anti-Hijacking Team, and Waterval Boven police.
According to Saps, on their social media pages, officers acted on a tip-off about a white Chevrolet Utility bakkie with Gauteng registration plates, believed to be carrying contraband documents.
“The vehicle was intercepted on 8 December 2025, around 1 PM. A search of the vehicle yielded a shocking discovery. They recovered: 582 passports, some stuffed with cash and concealed under a hidden compartment,” said Saps.
“An additional R20 000 wrapped in a black plastic bag. In total, R147 300 was found in the suspect’s possession.”
Looking at the pictures provided by Saps, most of the passports were Zimbabwean, while others were from Malawi and Mozambique.
Investigators, Saps said, believe the passports were being transported for illegal stamping, a practice used to fraudulently extend or regularise immigration status.
“Authorities suspect the driver was en route to meet an accomplice who would process the fraudulent stamps, with the recovered money intended as payment.
“The Zimbabwean national has since been charged with contravening South Africa’s Immigration Act, fraud and money laundering. His vehicle was also seized for further forensic investigation,” said Saps.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Waterval Boven Periodical Court today.
Saps said investigations are ongoing and more arrests have not been ruled out, as police work to dismantle what appears to be a wider syndicate involving illegal movement and manipulation of travel documents across borders.
