a) Yes, the Department has a procedure for dealing with reported fraudulent marriages and identity theft. To elaborate further,it must be highlighted that identity documents theft and fraud, in most cases, does not necessarily involve only the Departmental officials but also the public at large, contractors or service providers, etc., that very well form part of the corrupt activities.
The Department however assists victims of identity theft if the case is reported by the aggrieved or affected persons. Victims should immediately report identity theft through the Law enforcement agencies, mainly the South African Police Services(SAPS) and also the Departments’ Immigration Services Branch to assume investigations and to provide feedback on findings in this regard. Victims can also call the National Anti-Corruption Hotline to report cases of fraud and corruption. Where there is sufficient evidence provided and it can be proven without doubt that the marriage is fraudulent, the Department expunges such a marriage and provides feedback to the victims.
The Department due to the number of fraudulent marriages reported every year has implemented some measures that have largely contributed in reducing the number of fraudulent marriages, as follows:
b) No, as indicated above in (a), the Department does not have challenges in providing identity documents to any individuals who found themselves married without their consent or due to identity theft. In terms of the Identification Act. (No. 68 of 1997) the Department provides identity documents to all citizens of the country provided that, their particulars are included in the population register and provided that they apply in the prescribed manner for an identity document.
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