However, there was a backlash against the government late last year after it was proposed that identity cards be used instead of passports for those travelling between Botswana and Zimbabwe.

She alleged that, before the elections, families who were dependent on state funds had seen their identity cards taken away.

Hassanshahi said he didn’t know why they had to use fake notaries or fake identity cards to sell the house, Versoza wrote.

As identity cards are not issued by Venezuelan consulates abroad, this meant many Venezuelans whose IDs had expired could not vote.

The police also allege that Mr Khalusha's wife was his first victim and say her identity card was found among the belongings of other allegedly victims.