Fake state documents abound

He has, therefore, warned all those engaged in producing the fake documents to stop immediately as the government has launched an operation to flush out the culprits “who will face the full wrath of the law, including a 20-year jail term’’.

The chief printer directed all managers in all departments to conduct fresh verification of the government documents, which he said are scattered everywhere, especially in revenue collection centres, universities and workplaces.

He said the spotlight should be on payment receipts, permits of all sorts, container certificates, vehicle licences and insurance certificates -- to ensure their legitimacy.
According to Mr Chibogoyo, during the operation conducted last year in search of fake documents dubbed ‘Okoa Pato La Taifa’ (literally meaning Save National Revenue), the government found out that there were fake resident permits or birth certificates possessed by foreigners, revenue documents, trade licences and professional certificates.

He revealed that during the operation, a factory that was being used to produce fake documents was discovered in the Buguruni suburb of Dar es Salaam area, which was found printing fake certificates for the Kampala International University, resident permits, traffic receipts and marriage certificates for St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church of Magomeni in Dar es Salaam.

Three consignments containing vehicle insurance stickers being readied for transportation to Tanga Region were found recently found hidden in a broken down refrigerator near a food vendor at Salamander area in downtown Dar es Salaam.

“I would like to caution the few individuals and their cohorts who are jeopardizing national security and development so far achieved that my team and I are prepared to put a stop to once and for all,” he emphasized.

Mr Chibogoyo called on the public to provide information to security organs whenever and wherever they come upon people producing the fake government documents, adding that his office will provide genuine documents for all those in need of them.

The chief printer added that anyone found in possession of a fake document and intended to use it wrongfully, the jail term is up to seven years under the National Court of Arms act and Evidence Act.

According to the National Security Act of 1970, anyone found in possession of government documents, including rubber stamps, government reports and other documents contrary to the law, will be liable to a maximum jail sentence of 20 years.