CRIME SCENE: Hillbrow, Gauteng: The South African Police Service (SAPS) has urged the public not to engage in the illegal manufacture or acquisition of fraudulent identity documents.

This warning follows the arrest of a Zimbabwean national in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 9 September 2026 for allegedly forging South African identity cards

According to SAPS they acted on information that the suspect was allegedly recruiting individuals in need of fake South African smart identity cards and supporting documents.

“An operation in the Hillbrow policing precinct led to the discovery of six completed smart identity cards, 22 blank cards, a laptop, and a smart card printing machine. The suspect was taken into custody and is expected to appear in court soon,” said SAPS.

Investigations are continuing, and authorities have called on community members to report suspicious activity. Information can be shared via the Crime Stop line at 08600 10111 or anonymously through the MySAPS-App.