Lesotho national, 33-year-old Bokang Johannes Phello was remanded in custody when he appeared before the Bethal Magistrate’s Court on charges of identity fraud.
Spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as the Hawks) in Mpumalanga, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi said the case against Phello was postponed to Monday next week, for further investigation.
Earlier, Sekgotodi said the Hawks in Mpumalanga had arrested the 33-year-old after he allegedly offered money to an official of the Department of Home Affairs in a bid to get a South African identity document.
According to the Hawks, Phello was in possession of a South African identity document, with his photo attached to it, but with someone else’s details, including names.
“The suspect approached a Home Affairs official to request assistance to apply for a valid identity document as he had obtained employment, and he wanted to open a bank account,” Sekgotodi said at the time.
“The (Home Affairs) officer told him that he knew someone who could assist. The matter was reported to the department,” she said.
The immigration officer was subsequently included in the set-up to trap the man.
“They met and agreed on the payment date,” said Sekgotodi.
“A sting operation was authorised and executed on Monday, August 28, by the Hawks, Secunda crime intelligence, Bethal detectives and the Department of Home Affairs. The suspect was arrested after signing the application form for an identity document and handing over gratification amounting to R4,000,” she said.
Sekgotodi said the Hawks are still investigating the matter.
IOL