Earlier this month, on March 11 2025, Zunguze appeared in court and pleaded guilty to charges of fraud, contravention of the Immigration Act, and possession of fraudulent documents.

Her guilty plea was accepted by the court, and she was convicted on all charges. At the time, the case was postponed to Thursday for sentencing.

On Thursday, Zunguze was sentenced to two years of direct imprisonment for fraud, and three years in jail for possession of fraudulent documents. For contravention of the Immigration Act, Zunguze was sentenced to spend 40 days behind bars.

The court ordered that the sentences run consecutively.

“Upon completion of her sentence, Zunguze will be deported to Mozambique. The fraudulent documents in her possession will be destroyed by the State, and the fraudulent South African identity document registered under the alias ‘Thuli Mthembu’ will be canceled,” said Ramovha.

“The West Rand serious commercial investigation team, through diligent investigation and unwavering commitment, successfully brought Zunguze to justice. Their efforts exemplify the directorate's dedication to combating corruption.”

Meanwhile, Gauteng head of the Hawks, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of Zunguze.

“This conviction and sentencing underscore the resolute determination of law enforcement to protect the integrity of South Africa’s public institutions and root out corruption. Let this serve as a stern warning to those attempting to exploit our systems,” said Kadwa.

In 2023, IOL reported that a 43-year-old man was arrested in Pretoria central for allegedly selling fraudulent documents, including birth certificates, fake identity documents, and fake doctors’ notes.

The man, who is a South African national, was also selling fake identity documents, according to Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba, spokesperson for the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD).

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL