Spouses and syndicates: SIU exposes corruption marketplace at Home Affairs

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has uncovered a massive permit and visa racket within the Department of Home Affairs, estimated to have cost the state more than R180 million.

Acting on a whistleblower tip-off, investigators found that four officials, each earning a modest monthly salary of approximately R25,000, managed to net millions from foreign nationals.

The officials allegedly used their spouses to funnel illicit funds into luxury properties and vehicles.

Acting SIU Head Leonard Lekgetho stated that the evidence suggests South Africa’s borders are compromised, describing the department's operations as being treated like a marketplace.

The SIU's findings indicate that organised syndicates are colluding with officials responsible for assessing asylum seeker applications.

Following a 2024 raid on five refugee reception centres to seize laptops and mobile devices, Lekgetho revealed that favourable application outcomes were being sold for prices ranging from R500 to R3,000.

"The SIU investigation revealed that certain officials turned the permit system into a marketplace. Their modus operandi was simple: applications were sent via WhatsApp for expedited approval, and once approved, money flowed almost immediately."

To disguise the bribes, Lekgetho explained that officials utilised electronic wallets and bank accounts belonging to their spouses or linked companies.

These spoils, totalling approximately R16 million for the primary suspects, were used to acquire significant assets.

"Officials turned their spouses into silent partners in crime," Lekgetho remarked.

The investigation further extended to foreign religious leaders who allegedly manipulated the visa system to gain entry into South Africa. Notable figures mentioned in the probe include:

Shepherd Bushiri: Malawian pastor.

Timothy Omotoso: Nigerian pastor.

The SIU continues to process the seized digital evidence to identify further collaborators in the syndicate.