A Zimbabwean national, Kudakwashe Mpofu, has been sentenced to prison in South Africa after a court found he used a fraudulent permanent residence permit and other forged documents to land a senior government-linked post — and earn over R1.6 million per year.
According to the findings by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and court records:
- Mpofu purchased the fake South African permanent residence permit for R3,000 from an individual unconnected to the official Department of Home Affairs.
- The SIU investigation also uncovered several other fraudulent documents in his possession — including a “Critical/Exceptional Skills Visa,” a work permit, and an exemption certificate dating from 1996, when Mpofu was reportedly only five years old.
- Using these forged documents, Mpofu secured a job at the North West Development Corporation (NWDC). He first served as an asset manager earning around R900,000 per year, then was later promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with a salary of about R1.63 million annually.
- The fraudulent documents also enabled him to get a South African driver’s licence and secure vehicle financing — reportedly acquiring luxury cars including a Land Rover Sport, a BMW 3 Series, and a Ford Ranger.
On 12 November 2025, the Mmabatho Regional Court delivered judgment: Mpofu was sentenced to three years in prison on the principal fraud charge — a sentence which may be changed to correctional supervision. He also received an additional three-year sentence, suspended for five years, conditional on him not committing further fraud or corruption offences.
This case began after a tip-off to the Department of Home Affairs in 2023 led to an SIU probe into fraudulent visas and permits. The evidence was handed over to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), culminating in Mpofu’s arrest, prosecution, and conviction.
The outcome serves as a strong warning against the use of forged immigration or identity documents to secure employment — especially in government-linked institutions.
