Kudakwashe Mpofu, a 33-year-old Zimbabwean national, has been denied bail after being arrested for allegedly using a fraudulent South African permanent residence permit when applying for employment.Mpofu, the Chief Financial Officer at the North West Development Corporation, was arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (Hawks) on January 28, 2025.
The charge against Mpofu stems from an investigation that revealed he submitted a fake permanent residence permit while applying for a position as Asset Manager at the North West Development Corporation in March 2021. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), he successfully secured the position and began his duties on May 1, 2021.
In June 2023, Mpofu was promoted to Chief Financial Officer of the corporation, further embedding him within the entity’s leadership. However, it is alleged that his permanent residence permit, which was essential for his application, was fraudulent and never issued by the Department of Home Affairs.The NPA claims that Mpofu’s fraudulent actions were part of a deliberate effort to gain employment and secure a leadership role within the corporation. Authorities have presented an affidavit from an official of the Department of Home Affairs confirming that the permanent residence permit submitted by Mpofu was fake.
During the court proceedings, the State argued that Mpofu is a flight risk, considering that he is illegally in the country. The prosecution emphasized that, if released on bail, he might flee to avoid trial. This concern prompted the court to deny bail.The court heard that Mpofu’s fraudulent permanent residence permit, which was critical for his job application, had not been issued by Home Affairs. This revelation added weight to the State’s argument for denying him bail.Mpofu’s arrest has sparked a wider conversation about the use of fraudulent documents in South Africa’s employment sector, particularly in government institutions. Investigations into his actions continue as authorities seek to determine the extent of his alleged crimes.
The case is being closely monitored by the public, and the NPA is working to ensure that the justice system holds Mpofu accountable for his alleged actions. His arrest has raised questions about the effectiveness of measures in place to prevent fraudulent applications.Mpofu is set to appear in the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Mmabatho on March 19, 2025. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover more details about the case and any potential connections to other fraudulent activities.
