MPUMALANGA –Three suspects between the ages of 36 and 41 (Immigration Officer at Lebombo Port of entry, Police Officer and (Mozambican National, female) a Hawker, were arrested by members of the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation Unit and The Department of Home Affairs Anticorruption Unit Head Office led by the Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motswaledi on Friday 12 November 2021 at Lebombo Port of Entry.
It is alleged that information was received from Crime Intelligent regarding the allegation of Fraud and Corruption by the Immigration Officials attached to Lebombo border post that they were issuing temporary residence permits, working permits and also stamping of passports to extend the stay of the illegal immigrants who are coming from Mozambique, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Malawi. It is further alleged that the immigrant can send an individual with their passports and bribe money to the immigration Officials at Lebombo port of entry for stamping.
Intelligence driven operation was conducted at the border from December 2019 until its conclusion today. During the operation the alleged targets were positively identified and spotted while on action. Information was gathered and investigation linked the suspects with the crime. Warrant of arrest was obtained and executed on Friday 12 November 2021 whereby the two officials were arrested while on duty in the presence of the Minister and their colleagues. The three were detained at Komartipoort police cells pending their court appearance on Monday, 15 November 2021. The operation continues to arrest the outstanding suspects.
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 presence of the Minister in the fight against this scourge of corruption.
The Minister in his address he also assured the public that, their presence here today is a testimony of their determination to wage a relentless and ferocious war against corruption at Home Affairs .He assured the public that there is going to be no space for rogue elements in the Department of Home Affairs. He also reported about the arrests which were made by the Hawks were Home Affairs Officials were involved. In his conclusion he pleaded with the community to report corruption.
Source: South African Police Service