Pretoria – The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the North West Development Corporation, Kudakwashe Mpofu, who quit his job in a huff at the weekend amid allegations that his residence permit was fake, has appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said 32-year-old Mpofu – a Zimbabwean national – appeared in court on Wednesday on a charge of fraud related to contravening the SA Immigration Act.
“It is alleged that in 2022, Mpofu used a fraudulent permit to remain in the country,” said NPA spokesperson in the Gauteng division, Lumka Mahanjana.
“After investigations by the South African Police Service, Mpofu then handed himself over on 20 March 2024, where he was formally arrested.”
Mahanjana said the case was postponed to next week Tuesday, (26 March 2024).
“The accused will remain in custody until his appearance,” said the NPA spokesperson.
“The NPA intends to oppose bail in the matter and more charges might be added.”
Mpofu resigned from his high-profile job at the weekend soon after Home Affairs Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi publicly stated that his residence permit was not legit.
Minister Mostoaledi told reporters that Mpofu previously opposed being deported to Zimbabwe.
Before his arrest this week, Mpofu had taken the matter to the High Court of Pretoria to compel Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and Director-General Tommy Makhode to validate his residence documents.
Last year, Mpofu secured an interim order from the same court preventing his deportation.
