Stay informed! Visit the SA Department of Health's website for COVID-19 updates: www.sacoronavirus.co.za

Criminal Record Check

Criminal record checks in South Africa are legally required to be verified by using a set of digitally captured fingerprints. Using the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), fingerprints are checked electronically directly against the South African Police Services (SAPS) database.

MIE uses software provided by AFISwitch to allow you to quickly and easily capture fingerprints on SmartScreen and/or ePCV and submit them to check for a possible criminal record. The average turnaround time from AFISwitch is two-business days.

MIE is an accredited AFISwitch reseller.

As a registered AFISwitch reseller, MIE hosts over 5.8 million digital fingerprints that have been previously submitted to MIE. Registered MIE clients can access an individual’s fingerprints that were previously taken and stored on the MIE database.

MIE makes the individual fingerprint set available if the following requirements have been met:

  • Consent by the individual
  • The fingerprint set is of clear and high quality
  • An Approved Fingerprint request has been submitted for the individual to MIE via SmartScreen or ePCV.

This service provides feedback on the criminal record status of the candidate, including whether the thumbprints match the Identity number, if the names and surname of the person is linked to the identity number and whether the person is alive or deceased.