The Department of Home Affairs is currently probing 120 officials suspected of corruption. This investigation was initiated after uncovering controversial pastor Shepherd Bushiri’s fraudulent permit, which he was given during his stay in South Africa.
This discovery has led to the launch of many other investigations of refugees and foreign nationals. Shepherd Bushiri has since fled the country after he left for Malawi, where he now lives and runs his church. Bushiri and his family were charged with a number of cases, including fraud. Many people came forward, sharing that the church leader had defrauded them of money and took advantage of them.
Special Investigating Unit (SIU) Takes Charge
Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi revealed that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is leading the investigation. Last Friday, the SIU conducted raids at five refugee centres nationwide, including the Marabastad Home Affairs office. During these operations, they seized cellphones and other devices to gather evidence of corruption among Home Affairs officials.
ALSO READ: Mzansi Enraged After 1-Year-Old Girl Is R_ped By DayCare Owner’s Husband
“A whistleblower exposed this corruption, prompting us to commission the Lubisi Report. The findings indicated the necessity of involving the SIU due to the complex nature of the corruption. Officials are colluding with wealthy foreign nationals who exploit bribes to stay in South Africa illegally,” said Motsoaledi.
ALSO READ: Zimbabwe’s Pride: Ralph Mupita Earns R70 Million As MTN Boss, Named Africa’s CEO Of The Year
Illegal Acquisition of Permits
Minister Motsoaledi further explained that these corrupt officials bypass immigration protocols to help illegal foreign nationals obtain permits unlawfully. This corruption scandal includes fraudulent documents issued to asylum seekers, with some cases dating back to 2004.
The SIU’s mandate, expanded in February, allows them to investigate maladministration and corruption within the Home Affairs department over the past two decades. This thorough examination aims to root out long-standing corruption and restore integrity to the department.