Grin

In a shocking turn of events, an industrious Home Affairs official in Upington has been caught red-handed, not just handing out ID cards but practically giving away South African identities like complimentary mints at a restaurant. The 37-year-old woman, whose ambition apparently knows no bounds, has been accused of selling illegal identity documents to undocumented foreign nationals, effectively turning the Home Affairs office into a one-stop-shop for those looking to swap nationalities on a budget.

The Anti-Corruption Investigating Unit (ACIU) sprang into action after receiving an anonymous tip about the official’s extracurricular identity-swapping activities. Sources say she was practically running a ‘2-for-1’ special, complete with a loyalty card for frequent buyers.

According to the South African Police Services, the official allegedly accepted cash payments for her ‘special services.’ It seems she wasn’t just breaking the law; she was practically giving it a vigorous massage and a foot rub too.

In a daring raid, the ACIU, armed with magnifying glasses and a keen sense of justice, swooped in and caught the fraudster red-handed. The 37-year-old now faces corruption charges and is expected to grace the Upington Magistrates Court with her presence soon, assuming she hasn’t already swapped her identity and fled the country.

District Commissioner for ZF Mgcawu, Maj Gen Thabo Mphuthi, praised the officials on the case, declaring that “no stone will be left unturned” in the fight against corruption. Meanwhile, residents are left wondering if they can use these stones to apply for new identities.

This incident adds to a growing trend of Home Affairs officials moonlighting as document dealers. Last year, an immigration officer was suspended for reportedly selling IDs for a mere R50k – a bargain considering the current market rates for stolen identities. In a shocking exposé, it turns out Home Affairs has become the latest hub for entrepreneurial civil servants looking to diversify their income streams.

In related news, rumours are circulating that the Home Affairs office is considering introducing a drive-thru service for document forgery, complete with a loyalty program and a complimentary pen for signing away your old identity. Stay tuned as South Africa continues to innovate in the world of identity theft – a growth industry like no other!

Read more on The Citizen.