The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) welcomes the conviction and sentencing of former North West Development Corporation Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Kudakwashe Mpofu by the Mmabatho Regional Court on two counts of fraud.
On 12 November 2025, Mpofu was sentenced as follows:
- Count 1: Three years imprisonment, from which he may be placed under correctional supervision at the discretion of the Commissioner of Correctional Services or a parole board.
- Count 2: Three years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of fraud or any corruption-related offence during the period of suspension.
The conviction follows an SIU investigation into a fraudulent Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) held by Mpofu. He is a Zimbabwean national. The investigation originated from an anonymous tip-off to the Department of Home Affairs’ Counter Corruption Unit in July 2023. The SIU’s probe through Proclamation No. 154 of 2024 investigates serious maladministration in the Department of Home Affairs. The investigation focuses on the illegal or improper issuance of various visas and permits, including permanent residence, corporate, business, critical skills, study, and retired persons visas, as well as citizenship by naturalisation.
The SIU’s investigation uncovered a pattern of fraudulent activity by Mpofu. It was established that after initially entering South Africa on a valid study visa, Mpofu remained in the country and worked illegally after his visa had expired.
The investigation found that Mr Mpofu had a fraudulent Permanent Residence Permit, which he admitted he had purchased for R3000 from an entity known as MRM Trading Enterprise and Investment, which has no link to the Department of Home Affairs.
Furthermore, the SIU uncovered that Mpofu possessed a portfolio of other fraudulent documents, including:
- A fraudulent Critical/Exceptional Skills Visa.
- A fraudulent Work Permit.
- A fraudulent Exemption Certificate, purportedly issued in 1996, when Mpofu was only five years old, rendering the document materially impossible and false.
Fraudulently Acquired Benefits
The SIU investigation confirmed that Mpofu intentionally used these fraudulent documents to secure significant benefits to which he was not entitled, including:
1. Employment at the North-West Development Corporation:
- As an Assets Manager from 01 May 2021 to 01 May 2023, earning R900,000 per annum.
- As Chief Financial Officer from 01 June 2023, with a contract entitling him to an annual remuneration of R1,632,257.
2. Issuance of a Traffic Register Number at the Mmabatho Driving Licence Testing Centre, which he used to obtain a learner’s and driver’s license.
3. Acquisition of vehicle finance and the purchase of several luxury vehicles, including a Land Rover Sport, a BMW 3 Series, and a Ford Ranger.
Collaboration with the NPA
In terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU is obligated to refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigations to the relevant prosecuting authority.
Consequently, the SIU referred the evidence against Mpofu to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for prosecution. This successful prosecution is a direct result of the SIU’s thorough investigation. It underscores our commitment to collaborating with the NPA to hold accountable those who commit fraud against the state.
The matter was subsequently enrolled at the Mmabatho Regional Court, resulting in the successful conviction and sentencing.
This outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of the collaboration between the SIU and the NPA. It sends a clear message that the fraudulent acquisition of official documents and the subsequent illicit benefits will be met with the full might of the law.
Enquiries: Kaizer Kganyago
Spokesperson: Special Investigating Unit
Cell: 082 306 8888
E-mail: KKganyago@siu.org.za