Mozambican man jailed after using a stoled SA ID to earn nearly R1 million

A 44-year-old Mozambican national, Arlindo Fernando Timane, has been handed a six-year prison sentence for a massive identity fraud scheme. Timane managed to earn nearly R1 million over several years by posing as a South African citizen.

The deception began when Timane used a stolen South African identity document to secure a position at a quarry in the Kareepoort area, located near Brits. The legitimate owner of the ID was completely unaware that his personal details were being utilized for employment purposes.

Tax Man Triggers the Trap

The elaborate ruse finally fell apart when the real South African citizen visited a South African Revenue Service (SARS) office to file his tax returns. He was shocked to learn that his identity number was already registered to another employer he had never worked for.

After the victim reported the discovery to the Brits police, an investigation was launched. Fingerprint verification conducted by the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that Timane had no legal right to the ID and was actually a citizen of Mozambique.

The Investigation and Sentencing

The Bojanala Sub-District 1 Commercial Crime Investigation Unit collaborated with SARS and the quarry's human resources department to build a solid case. The true ID owner was eventually tracked down in Mpumalanga to provide evidence.

Colonel Anne Magakoe of the North West police confirmed that Timane was charged with fraud and violations of the Immigration Act. Following his conviction, he was sentenced in court last Tuesday to serve time for his crimes.

Lieutenant-General Arthur Adams, the North West provincial commissioner, emphasized that authorities will continue to clamp down on the misuse of official documents. He warned that anyone found defrauding the state or private citizens would face the full weight of the law.