The Westonaria Magistrate’s Court convicted and sentenced Mozambican national Joissa Catarina Rodriguez Zunguze for fraud.
Authorities found her in possession of 19 tampered South African birth certificates.
Investigation into Fraudulent Documents
According to IOL, authorities arrested Joissa Catarina Rodriguez Zunguze, a Mozambican national, on 18 September 2024 during an intelligence-driven operation led by the Westonaria police in collaboration with the Randfontein Department of Home Affairs.
When officers took her into custody, she initially identified herself as Thuli Mthembu, a South African citizen.
However, further investigation revealed her true identity as Joissa Catarina Rodriguez Zunguze, a citizen of Maputo, Mozambique.
Her true Identity revealed her illegal presence in South Africa.
During the arrest, authorities seized 19 fraudulent South African birth certificates, leading to suspicions that she was part of a larger syndicate involved in creating false identities.
Investigators suspected that corrupt officials from the Department of Home Affairs might also be involved in the operation.
Details of the Case and the Charges
The Westonaria police station initially registered the investigation, and following her arrest Hawks West Rand serious commercial investigation unit later took it over.
Authorities confirmed that Zunguze had skilfully tampered with the seized documents for fraudulent purposes.
Earlier this month on March 11 2025, Zunguze appeared in court and pleaded guilty to charges of fraud, contravention of the Immigration Act, and possession of fraudulent documents
She was convicted on all charges
On Thursday, 28 March, the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court sentenced her to two years’ direct imprisonment for fraud and three years for possessing fraudulent documents.
She also received an additional 40-day sentence for contravening the Immigration Act.
Next Steps
AlgoaFM reported that, upon completing her sentence, authorities will deport Zunguze to Mozambique.
Additionally, they will destroy the fraudulent documents in her possession and cancel the falsified South African identity document registered under the alias “Thuli Mthembu,” according to Lt-Colonel Lloyd Ramovha.
Meanwhile, Gauteng head of the Hawks, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of Zunguze.
What measures should authorities take to prevent fraudulent document syndicates in South Africa?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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