Urgent policy reforms to stop proof of address fraud are needed.
The DA’s ward councillors in Matjhabeng will, at the next council meeting, raise questions to the municipality to implement a policy regulating proof of address forms.
“Widespread misuse of these forms fuels fraud and corruption, posing legal risks to both officials and residents.
“Similar incidents nationwide highlight the legal consequences of fraudulent proof of address letters,” said Maxie Badenhorst, DA councillor.
Despite efforts by Badenhorst and others to tighten regulations, the municipality has failed to act, allowing abuse to persist. Residents continue to produce unverified forms, which financial institutions, retailers, the South African Revenue Service (Sars), and the traffic department accept without scrutiny.
In 2023, three suspects in uMlazi were arrested with counterfeit municipal documents, underscoring the scale of the problem.
“Falsified forms enable illegal activities, such as registering stolen vehicles, which hampers police investigations. Proof of address documents must be strictly regulated or prohibited for official use.
“We urge the Matjhabeng Municipality to enforce verification processes, implement a formal policy, and educate residents on the legal consequences of misuse.
“Swift action is needed to curb corruption and restore integrity to municipal processes,” said Badenhorst.
