seekers
26 June 2007
The Department of Home Affairs has read with shock media reports on the
front page of the Cape Times that asylum seeker's permits are for sale at the
Cape Town Refugee Reception Office. A suggestion by the Cape Times reporter
that Home Affairs would not be investigating the alleged corruption at the Cape
Town Refugee Centre is baseless and unfounded. On record, Acting Head of
Communications, Mr Jacky Mashapu informed the reporter that the department
welcomes any information that could lead to some arrests within its rank and
file. Therefore, the department will institute an investigation on the
allegations. The initial findings of the investigations show that:
* Immigration officers are now tasked to manage access in and out of the
refugee reception centre to facilitate a correct procedure to ensure that
asylum seekers are assisted as quickly as possible.
* On 6 June 2007, in a joint operation with other law enforcement agencies, an
intern, Mr T Nkukwana was arrested and dismissed for soliciting a bribe of R700
from a Zimbabwean national. This undercover operation was approved by the
Director of Public Prosecutions in terms of section 252A of the Criminal
Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No 51 of 1977).
* Mr Nkukwana is currently out on bail of R2 000. His case was postponed until
20 July 2007.
* Investigations are still underway implicating senior officials at the same
office. The outcome of these investigations will be made public as soon as it
is available.
The department is working tirelessly with other law enforcement agencies in
rooting out corruption in all its manifestations.
For enquiries, contact:
Jacky Mashapu
Cell: 082 885 8449
Issued by: Department of Home Affairs
26 June 2007
