Marachukwu Nwuafor, recently arrested with her husband, so-called Nigerian doctor Antony Nwuafor and a third alleged accomplice, Fareida Mall on suspicion of corruption and violation of South Africa’s Immigration Act, was acquitted by the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Friday. Antony and Mall remain in custody.
The trio were arrested about two weeks ago during a joint operation between the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Health and the Hawks. The court withdrew charges against Marachukwu on Friday keeping the charges against her husband and Mall intact.
It is alleged that they fraudulently obtained South African identity documents and during their arrest tried to bribe a Home Affairs official with R50 000. It is also reported that Antony holds several passports and had failed to explain where he acquired his medical qualification.
The Nwuafors and Mall first appeared four days after their arrest when the case was postponed to the following day for bail application. The investigating officer from Home Affairs, Bernard Mabitla at that time indicated that they would oppose bail.
The case was then postponed until tomorrow (Friday).
Story: RC Myburgh
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