MPUMALANGA –Vusi Stanley Masuku(35) Immigration official , Sipho Mabunda (53) Immigration official, Anthony Zitha (35) Immigration official, Musa Sifiso Lamola(50) Immigration official, Getrude Nkuna(45) Immigration official, Ensiena Mmalaerato Chiloane(52) Immigration official, Tommy Jania Mhlangane (46) (Police Officer) and Arlinda Zeferino Passe (36) a foreign national hawker, appeared before the Komatipoort Magistrate Court on Monday 15 November 2021 after they were arrested by the team of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Mpumalanga together with Department of Home Affairs Anti-corruption unit for corruption.
The eight accused were remanded in custody while the set bail for accused number one to seven, the amount of R2000.00 each. Accused number eight Passe, a foreign national was denied bail and remanded in custody.
The case against the eight is postponed to 3 December 2021 for further investigation.
It is alleged that information was received from Crime Intelligence regarding the allegation of fraud and corruption by Immigration Officials attached to Lebombo Port of Entry that they were issuing temporary residencial permits, working permits and also stamping passports to extend the stay of the illegal immigrants who are coming from Mozambique, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Malawi. It is further alleged that an immigrant can send an individual with their passports and bribe money to the immigration officials at Lebombo port of entry for stamping.
An intelligence driven operation was conducted at the border from December 2019 until its conclusion on Friday 12, November 2021. During the operation the alleged targets were positively identified and spotted while on action. Information was gathered and investigation linked the suspects to the crime. A warrant of arrest was obtained and executed between Friday 12 to 15 November 2021 respectively
The Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Mpumalanga Major General Zodwa Mokoena Applauded the good work by the team. She further acknowledged the Anticorruption team from Head Office for partnership in fighting against this scourge of corruption. Major General Mokoena promised that justice shall prevail.
Source: South African Police Service