In a significant crackdown on corruption within the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), the Counter Corruption and Security Services branch has taken action against a syndicate involved in helping businesses bring illegal foreign nationals into South Africa on forged documents. Among those implicated is the syndicate’s kingpin, who has now received an 18-year prison sentence.
34 Dismissals and Lengthy Sentences
Following an extensive investigation, the DHA has dismissed 34 officials, with 13 of them facing criminal charges and sentences ranging from four to 26 years. This action, revealed in a presentation to the Portfolio Committee of Home Affairs on October 29, 2024, underscores the department’s commitment to tackling internal corruption that jeopardizes border security and South African identity integrity.
The Photo Swap Scheme
The syndicate’s operation centered around a fraudulent “photo swap” scheme that enabled foreign nationals to obtain South African passports using fake identities. According to DHA, South African identity holders and foreign nationals would collude with corrupt DHA officials. During passport application, the official would capture the foreigner’s photograph under the identity of a South African citizen, allowing the foreigner to obtain a legitimate passport with fake identity details.
This practice was brought to light by a whistle-blower, who disclosed that the kingpin had a network of DHA officials who allowed him after-hours access to Home Affairs offices and direct assistance with photo swaps. The syndicate’s activities were extensive, spanning multiple branches in Limpopo, Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape, as well as one branch each in Mpumalanga and the Free State.
Fake Addresses and Suspicious Applications from Derrick Avenue
The presentation also highlighted concerning trends tied to Derrick Avenue in Johannesburg, where numerous passport applications were submitted using non-existent addresses. DHA discovered that 75 addresses listed on applications did not exist and had been demolished since 2013, raising suspicions of systematic identity fraud. The DHA plans to trace the applicants associated with these addresses, recommending deportation for those who obtained documents through these fraudulent claims.
Between 2014 and 2024, Derrick Avenue was linked to 511 applications sharing false addresses and other common details, suggesting that fraudulent applications were systematically processed over a decade.
Ongoing Investigations and Upcoming Prosecutions
Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber affirmed the DHA’s commitment to rooting out corruption, adding that cases are ongoing, with the Hawks actively investigating other implicated officials. Schreiber highlighted several recent disciplinary actions taken within the DHA, including 31 cases finalized between July and September 2024, which led to several criminal charges and dismissals.
“We have zero tolerance for unethical conduct or corruption,” Schreiber stated. “As our accelerated action against errant conduct demonstrates, officials who fail to heed this message will soon find themselves out of Home Affairs and on their way to prison.”
Two cases await trial: one dismissed DHA official was accused of manipulating immigration systems to fraudulently facilitate entry for foreign nationals, while a Border Management Authority official was arrested in Beitbridge for allegedly attempting to smuggle people across the border.
A Step Toward Integrity and Accountability
The DHA’s recent efforts demonstrate a commitment to restoring integrity within its ranks. These actions against corrupt officials and the syndicate kingpin reflect a larger movement towards ensuring the department operates transparently and free from criminal interference. With investigations ongoing and further arrests expected, the DHA aims to continue upholding the security and trust of South African citizens.
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