Allexer Namundjebo
The Ministry of Home Affairs is in hot water after a man discovered his identity documents had allegedly been used fraudulently by another person.
Months after the incident was reported, the ministry confirmed forgery but has yet to provide any answers.
Matheus Matheus, a resident of Arandis, found out about the identity breach in July 2024.
He was applying for a passport at the Swakopmund Home Affairs office when officials told him his name and ID number were already in the system, but his photo and signature didn’t match.
He was then referred to the ministry’s head office in Windhoek.
There, he met with the Head of Security and senior officials.
They informed him that another individual, reportedly an Angolan national, had fraudulently used his birth certificate and ID.
The Otjiwarongo Home Affairs office allegedly issued forged documents in 2023.
“From the beginning, they knew this was a case of identity fraud. They told me directly that my identity had been stolen and misused, yet they refused to share any follow-up information,” Matheus said.
Despite confirming the forgery, the ministry has not provided him with a written report or details about the person who used his identity.
Matheus stated that he remains uncertain about any legal or criminal measures taken.
To correct the records and obtain a legitimate passport, he had to submit certified copies of his parents’ IDs, make sworn declarations, and pay extra fees.
He travelled several times between Arandis, Windhoek, and northern Namibia.
“I paid for fuel, accommodation, meals, and lost income in the process. I was being punished for something I didn’t cause,” he said.
He received his passport in August 2024 but still has no answers about who used his identity, what actions were taken, or whether the ministry’s systems have been updated to protect his records.
“To this day, I have no idea who used my name. No one can confirm if they’re behind bars, if they’ve been deported, or if they’re still out there. And I still fear that the system could be used against me again,” he said.
The Windhoek Observer sent a formal media inquiry to the Ministry of Home Affairs on 6 May.
The ministry said it would first meet with Matheus before responding.
The inquiry asked whether the ministry was aware of the case and what steps had been taken.
It also questioned what systems were in place to detect and prevent identity fraud, whether an internal investigation had been launched, and what reforms were underway to protect the civil registration system.
At the time of going to print, the ministry had not responded.
Matheus said he has followed up in person and by phone but has only been told he would be contacted “later”, a promise that has never been fulfilled.
“I have fulfilled all the requests made of me. I proved who I am, paid the costs, and waited. I’m still waiting. No one has shown me a single document or result of an investigation,” he said.
He urged the ministry to take responsibility and protect people’s identities.
“This shouldn’t happen to anyone, but if it does, the least we deserve is to be taken seriously and treated with dignity,” he said.
