South African authorities have jailed a Zimbabwean man who used a fraudulent permanent residence permit to secure a high-level job paying more than R1.6 million a year.
Investigators discovered that he bought the fraudulent document and used it to rise through the ranks of a government-linked organisation.
The scheme relied on forged paperwork dating back to his early childhood.
Authorities expose fraudulent web of forgery
The Mmabatho Regional Court sentenced Kudakwashe Mpofu on 12 November 2025.
A statement from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) confirmed that the court imposed a three-year prison sentence on the first count, which could be converted to correctional supervision.
The court also handed him another three-year sentence, fully suspended for five years, provided he stays clear of any further fraud or corruption offences.
Investigators uncovered how Mpofu built his career on fraudulent foundations.
According to the SIU, Mpofu admitted he purchased a fake South African permanent residence permit for R3 000 from a private individual who had no ties to the Department of Home Affairs.
The SIU’s probe also found several other forged documents in his possession.
The Special Investigating Unit stated, “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.”
Mpofu’s rapid rise through a fraudulent career
Mpofu used the fraudulent documents to stay in South Africa after his student visa expired.
He quickly moved into well-paid roles, first landing a job as an assets manager at the North West Development Corporation (NWDC) where he earned R900 000 annually.
His career advanced even further when the NWDC promoted him to chief financial officer, boosting his annual salary to R1.63 million.
The fraudulent documents also allowed him to enjoy several personal benefits.
The SIU confirmed, “He also used the fake papers to obtain a South African driver’s licence and access vehicle financing, acquiring a Land Rover Sport, BMW 3 Series and Ford Ranger.”
Investigation Triggered by a Tip-Off
A tip-off to the Department of Home Affairs in 2023 sparked the case against Mpofu, rather than an internal review.
This information fed into the SIU’s wider investigation into fraudulent visas and permits issued across the country.
After gathering substantial evidence, the SIU handed the findings to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which successfully prosecuted and secured Mpofu’s conviction.
In its statement, the SIU said, “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.”
