Forty-three-year-old Edward Chitaizvi, who was found in unlawful possession of more than 500 Mozambican passports, appeared in the Belfast Magistrate’s Court, where he was remanded in custody.
Narrating events leading to Chitaizvis’ arrest, Mpumalanga Police Spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe said law enforcers acted on a tip-off when they intercepted a white Chevrolet bakkie with Gauteng registration number plates.
Chitaizvi was driving in Waterval Boven, near Belfast, on Monday, 8 December 2025, when he was stopped and searched by police.
Captain Nonyane-Mpe said police found 582 passports and R147 300 in cash hidden in the bakkie.
She said a further search uncovered R20 000 concealed inside a black plastic bag, bringing the total amount of cash to R167 300.
Captain Nonyane-Mpe said police seized the vehicle.
She said the police suspect that Chitaizvi was involved in an immigration racket with rogue border officials who stamp passports to either irregularly “extend” the stay of the owners in SA or falsely indicate that they left the country.
“An investigation thus far suggests that the suspect was probably going to meet someone the next day to have the passports stamped,” said Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe.
“Police are of the view that the recovered cash was meant for payment.”
The accused was remanded in custody when he appeared in court on Wednesday, 10 December 2025.
Chitaizvi faces charges related to contravening the Immigration Act of South Africa, fraud, and money laundering.
His case was adjourned until next Monday, 15 December 2025, pending verification of his residential address.
Mpumalanga Acting Police Commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi hailed the arrest of the suspect, said to be from Zimbabwe.
“We are following up on this matter and will not leave any stone unturned,” Major General Mkhwanazi said.
“At this stage, the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out.
“We will ensure that those who are involved are brought to the book.”
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