October 2, 2024

A 56-year-old female Immigration Officer stationed at Beitbridge Port of Entry in Musina was arrested by members of Operation Vala Umgodi during a sting operation on Sunday morning, 29 September 2024.

At approximately 06:30, the team conducted an operation focused on addressing corruption among officials. During surveillance, a complainant observed an individual approaching the Immigration Officer, leading to an exchange of money.

Upon investigation, the officer was found in possession of R3 100.00, which she could not account for, as well as six passports belonging to foreign nationals.

The owners of these passports were traced and located on buses arriving from Malawi, awaiting processing at the Port of Entry. All individuals, aged between 27 and 43, were interviewed and failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding their passports and the cash found in the officer’s possession.

The Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit was alerted, and both the money and passports were seized and registered
as evidence.

All accused individuals are scheduled to appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday, September 30, 2024.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Samuel Manala welcomed the arrests and commended the team’s ongoing efforts to eradicate corruption within the ranks of law enforcement.

Police investigations continue at this stage.

Source: South African Police Service