Three suspects have been arrested in Durban for allegedly running a fake marriage scheme that helped foreign nationals obtain South African citizenship, police confirmed.
During a raid on Monday, officers seized application forms, ID copies, and other documents, with one suspect reportedly caught trying to destroy evidence. Investigators believe stolen IDs from local women were used to create fraudulent marriage certificates and visas.
Col Robert Netshiunda, a regional police spokesperson, explained the scam: “Foreigners would arrive posing as married to South African women. After obtaining citizenship, they would divorce and bring in more people.”
The illegal operation was disguised as a clandestine Home Affairs office and offered marriage certificates, visas, and other government services, Netshiunda told SABC.
Police suspect an insider from the Department of Home Affairs may be involved, though no arrests have been made in connection with this individual.
Authorities are analyzing computers and hard drives from the scene for further evidence.
South Africa, home to the continent’s largest economy, attracts migrants from across Africa and beyond.
However, anti-immigration sentiment has grown, with recent protests and violence directed at immigrants. The issue was also a hot topic in May’s general elections, with the Patriotic Alliance, now part of the coalition government, accused of fueling xenophobia.
