Acting Johannesburg Mayor Kenny Kunene has revealed the discovery of a criminal operation involving counterfeit immigration stamps used to give undocumented foreign nationals the appearance of legal entry into South Africa.
The revelation emerged during a series of inner-city inspections led by Kunene and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD). The raids, targeting hijacked buildings and undocumented residents, form part of a broader crackdown on urban crime and illegal immigration.
Kunene confirmed that several passports presented by foreign nationals appeared legitimate at first glance, but closer examination showed forged or altered immigration stamps. These fake endorsements, he said, are being used to mislead authorities.
“This is not just a case of illegal immigration,” Kunene told reporters during a site inspection. “We are dealing with organized crime that threatens the integrity of our national borders.”
While the number of counterfeit documents uncovered was not disclosed, Kunene said several had been handed over to the Department of Home Affairs for forensic analysis. He suspects the operation is part of a larger network that includes document fraud, human trafficking, and illegal housing schemes.
Kunene has called on Home Affairs to urgently investigate the origin and distribution of the fake stamps. He stressed the likelihood of internal collusion within government departments, warning that “insiders may be enabling these crimes.”
“We need to clamp down not only on external syndicates but also on any officials who are complicit,” he said. “This is a national security matter.”
The raids in Johannesburg’s central business district have seen law enforcement teams inspecting buildings and verifying the legal status of residents. Kunene’s approach has drawn both praise and criticism: some residents cite improved safety, while human rights advocates have raised concerns over profiling and the potential for rights violations.
Responding to these concerns, Kunene insisted the operations are based on the rule of law.
“This is not about targeting people based on appearance or nationality,” he said. “Those in the country legally have no reason to fear.”
Authorities believe many of the foreign nationals found with fraudulent documents may themselves be victims, lured into South Africa under false pretenses and later exploited by criminal landlords.
“Some are victims, but others knowingly participate,” Kunene added. “We have a duty to protect Johannesburg’s residents from both scenarios.”
Kunene has reiterated the need for coordinated efforts between local government, national departments, and international stakeholders to combat immigration-related crimes and restore order to Johannesburg’s urban centres.
“The city cannot fight this battle alone,” he said. “We need tighter border controls, internal checks, and zero tolerance for corruption.”
As he continues his term as acting mayor, Kunene has positioned himself as a strong-handed leader in the fight against crime and unlawful immigration. Whether his efforts lead to systemic reform remains to be seen — but for now, he has sent a clear message: criminal activity in Johannesburg will not be tolerated.
