The leader of a syndicate that was issuing bogus identity documents, Tawona Garaba, was arrested after falling into a police trap.
It is alleged that the Chitungwiza based Garaba had laptops that created the template of the documents from the RG’s Office which he issued at a huge fee.
The trap was set after a couple which had sought birth certificates for their two children suspected foul play and inquired with the registrar general office.
The RG’s office arranged with the couple and the police to call Garaba to collect his outstanding balance and was eventually arrested.
Garaba was sentenced to 23 months in prison but six months were suspended.
The incident was confirmed by Registrar-General Mr Clement Masango who urged members of the public to be extra careful as bogus officers were extorting people of their money. He said:
The Department of the RG would like to advise all our clients and members of the public in general that we are a public office and do not conduct official business from private offices or residences.
We also do not deal with agencies. People are, therefore, advised to directly deal and visit our offices.
Where payment is required, they must insist on being issued with a receipt.
We also encourage those that might have dealt with these dubious characters to approach our offices or the nearest police station so that investigations can be instituted.
This comes at a time when the RG’s office is reportedly struggling to meet the demand on identification documents including passports.
More: The Herald