The accused – Jackson Mashapa Mantlhakga (37), Elisabeth Motshidisi Mokoena (41), and Masesi Yvonne Lebisi (57) – appeared before the Senwamokgope magistrate’s court on Thursday, according to Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba.
Mashaba clarified, however, that the police dropped the case against Mokoena while they conducted additional investigations.
Police operation in Limpopo, Gauteng
According to reports, the fraud involving the alleged issuance of unlawful identity documents took place at the Senwamokgope home affairs office in Senwamokgope, Vaalwater, in Limpopo.
“The Limpopo provincial anti-corruption unit has arrested three suspects aged between 37 and 57 in connection with fraud charges relating to the irregular issuing of identity documents to unqualified illegal immigrants,” said Mashaba.
According to Mashaba, the arrests are the result of complaints that a home affairs investigator received on June 26 and August 23, 2024.
“An official from the Senwamokgope home affairs office reported that the two females and one male had allegedly issued identity books to unqualified illegal immigrants without following correct legal procedures,” said Mashaba.
“The matter was immediately referred to the provincial anti-corruption investigation unit for a comprehensive investigation.
“Following thorough investigations registered at Sekgosese police station in Mopani district, the cases were forwarded to the director of public prosecutions for a decision, resulting in warrants of arrest being issued against all three suspects.”
Diligent work of police commended
He stated that the suspects were successfully located and apprehended as a result of concerted efforts throughout the provinces of Gauteng and Limpopo.
“The accused, Jackson Mashapa Mantlhakga, Elisabeth Motshidisi Mokoena, and Masesi Yvonne Lebisi, appeared before the Senwamokgope magistrate’s court on Thursday.”
During court proceedings, the case against Mokoena was withdrawn pending additional police investigations, Mashaba stated, adding that Mantlhakga and Lebisi were released on R2 000 bail each.
The court postponed the case to August 4.
According to Mashaba, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, the provincial police commissioner for Limpopo, “commended the diligent work of the provincial anti-corruption unit”.