A 43-year-old Zimbabwean national was arrested in South Africa on Monday after South African police intercepted a vehicle carrying hundreds of passports and a large sum of cash.
The arrest was made by a multidisciplinary team, including the Middelburg Flying Squad, Nkangala District Anti-Hijacking Team, and Waterval Boven SAPS, following a tip-off about a white Chevrolet Utility bakkie with Gauteng registration plates.
The vehicle was stopped around 1 PM on 8 December 2025.
During the search, police discovered 582 passports, some containing cash hidden in compartments, as well as an additional R20,000 concealed in a black plastic bag.
Investigators believe the suspect was intending to meet someone the following day to have the passports stamped, and that the cash was meant as payment for the transaction.
In total, the suspect was found with approximately R147,300. The bakkie was also seized for further investigation.
The Zimbabwean national now faces charges including contravention of South Africa’s Immigration Act, fraud, and money laundering.
He is expected to appear in the Waterval Boven Periodical Court today, 10 December 2025.
Police have commended the coordinated effort, highlighting the importance of acting on intelligence to combat cross-border crime and fraudulent activities.
