A home affairs official from KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, faces a corruption charge for allegedly using someone else’s details to create an ID for a new client.
Violet Veleleni Mabena, 57, appeared before the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday after she was arrested by the Serious Corruption Investigation Unit on the same day.
She was released on R3 000 bail and the case was postponed for further investigation.
Hawks spokesperson Dineo Sekgotodi said on 10 0ctober 2021, Mabena was approached by a client who wanted to obtain an ID fraudulently.
The official then allegedly requested a fee of R20 000 for the service.
Sekgotodi said after the payment was made, Mabena allegedly solicited assistance from another client whom she had once helped to obtain a birth certificate for her stepson.
“The lady was allegedly made to sign the forms to obtain the identity document for the complainant with the fingerprint of her stepson,” she said.
“A whistle-blower informed the Hawks, and an investigation was instituted and finalised. A J50 warrant of arrest was authorised and executed at the suspect’s workplace in the presence of her boss and colleagues.”
Mabena is expected to appear in the regional court on 6 December 2024.
Provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Nico Gerber applauded the investigative team.
“As the Hawks, we shall investigate and bring perpetrators of crime to justice, without fear or favour. Home affairs is especially vulnerable to corruption.”
“Officials who abuse their power for personal gain will be investigated with the full might of the law,” he said.
