They assumed the identities of South African citizens with the help of a corrupt official, resulting in a lengthy investigation and subsequent convictions. 

In a case highlighting the complexities and challenges of identity fraud, four foreign nationals have been convicted of fraud and corruption in South Africa. The individuals involved, Tausi Majani Kahwere (25) and John Majani Kahwere (44) from Congo, along with Morshed Alam (25) and Saiful Islam Sujon (43) from Bangladesh, were found guilty by the Durban magistrate's court.

The convictions mark the culmination of a thorough investigation conducted jointly by the Hawks, South Africa's Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, and the Department of Home Affairs' Counter Corruption Team in KwaZulu-Natal. The investigation uncovered a sophisticated scheme involving the collaboration of both foreign nationals and South African citizens.

According to Col Katlego Mogale, spokesperson for the Hawks, the fraudulent activities came to light when it was reported that a Department of Home Affairs official, Judy Zuma, was operating in conjunction with a syndicate comprised of foreign nationals. Zuma, along with her accomplices, colluded with South African citizens to facilitate the acquisition of South African passports by individuals from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The modus operandi of the syndicate involved replacing the legitimate owners' photographs in identity documents with those of the foreign nationals, effectively assuming their identities. This elaborate scheme not only exploited vulnerabilities within the bureaucratic system but also compromised the integrity of South Africa's immigration and identification protocols.

Judy Zuma, the implicated Home Affairs official, has since pleaded guilty to the charges leveled against her. She faces a staggering 1,159 counts of fraud, corruption, contravention of the Immigration Act, and contravention of the Identification Act. Zuma's sentencing is scheduled for April 5, underscoring the severity of her involvement in the illicit operation.

As for the foreign nationals implicated in the scheme, the Congolese duo is set to receive their sentencing on Friday, while the Bangladeshi trio will await their fate until May 21. These convictions serve as a stark reminder of the persistent threats posed by identity fraud and the concerted efforts required to combat such criminal activities in South Africa and beyond.