Warning for anyone who still uses a green ID book in South Africa

South Africans are being warned to safeguard their IDs, which are being stolen, sold and used by criminal syndicates for various crimes—with green ID books especially at risk of manipulation. 

This warning was emphasised during the investigation into the murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, where a man was wrongfully implicated due to ID fraud. 

Additionally, police recovered more than 20 women’s identity documents in the possession of the main suspect, Pangosi Maka, during a police operation. 

Following this, IRS forensic investigator Chad Thomas reminded South Africans of the serious security risks of identity documents. 

Thomas said that the disturbing discovery points to broader criminal operations where syndicates are weaponising stolen IDs.

“The common concern is that a stolen identity can be used to give an identity of sorts to an undocumented foreigner,” Thomas explained. 

“However, worse off is that criminal syndicates are buying stolen identities to use them in the execution of other crimes, such as creating money mule accounts or even opening credit accounts with various companies.” 

This means victims are often victimised twice, first in a robbery, and then again when their identity is used in fraud or organised crime.

Thomas further explained that the implications are more sinister than financial fraud alone. He said syndicates may use stolen IDs to manipulate or coerce individuals into dangerous situations. 

“There are so many different ways that they’re luring people in respect of express kidnappings, for other more heinous crimes, as well as to involve people in trafficking,” he warned. 

The investigation has reignited debate about the safety of South Africans’ identity documents and the need for stronger personal protection. 

“Everything in our life in South Africa revolves around our identity number,” Thomas stressed. 

While Home Affairs is working toward a more digitised identity system, South Africans still need to carry their IDs and are therefore vulnerable.

Green ID books are vulnerable

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has previously warned that Identity fraud is escalating in South Africa, with the outdated green barcoded ID books at the centre of the issue. 

According to the DHA, these documents are highly susceptible to forgery and identity theft due to their lack of modern security features. 

A 2025 report by Smile ID revealed that green ID books have a fraud rate of 34%, the highest among identification documents on the continent.

In response, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has initiated a comprehensive plan to phase out green ID books in favour of Smart ID cards. 

These cards incorporate advanced security measures, including embedded chips and biometric data, making them significantly more resistant to tampering. 

Schreiber emphasised the urgency of this transition and said this would enable the DHA to eventually discontinue the green barcoded ID book, which is far more prone to fraud than the smart ID. 

To facilitate the rollout of Smart IDs, the department has expanded services to bank branches, with plans to increase this number substantially. 

Additionally, 220 mobile units, known as “Home Affairs on Wheels,” have been deployed to reach underserved communities. 

Additionally, the department is investing in digital infrastructure to streamline processes and reduce opportunities for fraud. 

Schreiber noted that manual, paper-based systems are vulnerable to manipulation, and digitisation is key to enhancing security. 

The new digital identity system will allow citizens to access services online, with features similar to online banking platforms, including facial and fingerprint recognition technologies.

Home Affairs encourages all citizens still using green ID books to upgrade to Smart IDs to protect their identities and benefit from improved service delivery.