Police uncover alleged fake smart ID operation

South African police have uncovered an alleged operation producing fraudulent smart ID cards in Johannesburg, as government accelerates its push to replace the green ID book with the newer document. 

According to the South African Police Service, a Zimbabwean national was arrested after an operation in the Hillbrow policing district. Police seized six completed South African smart ID cards, 22 blank smart cards, a laptop and a smart card printing machine. 

Police said they acted after receiving information about a man allegedly recruiting people who wanted South African smart IDs, as well as forged bank statements and payslips. The investigation remains under way, and the suspect was expected to appear in court. 

Smart IDs promoted as the safer option

The discovery comes as Home Affairs urges South Africans to move away from the green barcoded ID book.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has repeatedly described the green book as fraud-prone and the smart ID card as more secure. In July, the department said replacing the old document formed part of efforts to strengthen the integrity of South Africa's identity system. 

The Hillbrow case concerns allegedly fraudulent physical cards. The information released by police does not state that Home Affairs' biometric systems or population register were compromised. 

Green ID books remain a major fraud target

Research by identity-verification company Smile ID has highlighted the scale of document fraud in South Africa. Its 2025 Digital Identity Fraud in Africa report analysed more than 110 million identity verification checks conducted across Africa during 2024. 

MyBroadband, citing the Smile ID report, reported that fraud rates involving South Africa's green ID book in March 2024 were 500% higher than those involving smart ID cards.

Home Affairs steps up smart ID rollout

Home Affairs is expanding access as it prepares to eventually end recognition of green ID books. Deputy director-general Thulani Mavuso recently said people could lose the ability to use the green book within the next two years, although Minister Schreiber has yet to announce a final deadline. 

The department is also urging citizens to apply for and collect IDs ahead of South Africa's 4 November 2026 local government elections. By early September, smart ID services were available at more than 450 participating bank branches.