Two Department of Home Affairs officials have appeared before the Protea Magistrates’ Court following their arrest as part of an extensive investigation into the alleged fraudulent acquisition of South African passports.
Aluwani Andries Netshidaulu and Nthombifuthi Phyllis Mokwebo were arrested on 29 September 2026 during a law enforcement operation conducted under Project Humulani. They face charges including racketeering, corruption, fraud and contraventions of the Immigration Act.
Project Humulani was established in 2021 after authorities uncovered information pointing to an alleged criminal syndicate involving foreign nationals, Home Affairs officials and South African citizens. The investigation focused on the unlawful procurement of South African passports through fraudulent means.
According to investigators, identity information belonging to South African citizens was allegedly paired with photographs of foreign nationals to facilitate the illegal issuing of South African passports. Authorities allege that foreign nationals paid between R50 000 and R100 000 to obtain the documents, while implicated Home Affairs officials reportedly received between R10 000 and R15 000 per application. South African citizens who provided their personal information were allegedly paid R500.
The investigation has already produced significant results. Law enforcement agencies have seized luxury vehicles linked to the matter and blocked or cancelled several hundred fraudulently obtained passports.
One of the accused connected to the case, Pakistani national Arfan Ahmad, is already serving a 14 year direct imprisonment sentence following a previous conviction. Ahmad, who is alleged to have maintained corrupt relationships with Home Affairs officials, also appeared in court alongside the two accused.
The investigation is being led by Lieutenant Colonel Mathebula, supported by financial investigators and the National Prosecuting Authority's Asset Forfeiture Unit. Prosecutorial support has been provided by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Jacob Serepo, together with State Prosecutors Siyabonga Futshana and Lindiwe Gumede.
Both Netshidaulu and Mokwebo were granted unopposed bail of R5 000 each. The matter has been postponed to 4 November 2026 to allow Ahmad time to secure legal representation and for further investigations to continue.
Authorities have confirmed that investigations remain ongoing and that additional arrests are expected as efforts continue to identify and prosecute all individuals allegedly involved in the syndicate.
National Prosecuting Authority Communications Officer, Magaboke Mohlatlole, said the progress made in the case demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to tackling organised crime and corruption.
"The NPA welcomes the progress made in this matter and remains committed to working closely with law enforcement partners to dismantle organised criminal networks involved in corruption, fraud, immigration related crimes and other serious offences that undermine the integrity of South Africa's systems and institutions," said Mohlatlole.
The case marks another significant milestone in efforts to protect the integrity of South Africa's identity and immigration systems while holding those accused of exploiting them accountable.
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