officials
20 December 2007
At least fifteen Home Affairs immigration officials have been arrested
today, 20 December 2007, at the Caledonspoort Port of Entry in Fouriesburg,
Free State province, with charges ranging from soliciting bribes from
travellers and abetting illegal immigrants to gain entry into South Africa.
This arrest followed months of investigation instituted by the Departmental
Counter Corruption unit with the support of the South African Police Service's
Organised Crime Unit. They were all suspended with immediate effect from their
duties and taken into custody. All these fifteen officials will appear in the
Fouriesburg District Court for contravening the Immigration Act of 2002, on
Friday.
This latest arrest comes hot on the heels of eight Home Affairs officials,
who were arrested at the department's head office in Pretoria, a fortnight
ago.
In terms of section 49(5) of the Immigration Act of 2002, any civil servant
(particularly Home Affairs officials) who provides false or intentionally
inaccurate, unauthorised documentation to an illegal foreigners, and
facilitates illegal immigrants to gain entry into South Africa shall be
punishable by imprisonment not exceeding three years without an option of a
fine.
Commending the department in its work to root out corruption, Home Affairs
Director-General, Mavuso Msimang says these arrests within its ranks are in
line with the department's zero tolerance approach to corruption.
"The department is using its resources and is also working with other law
enforcement agencies (SAPS: Organised Crime unit) agencies in its fight against
corruption committed by persons inside and outside the department", Msimang
says.
The Director-General reiterates that the vast majority of Home Affairs
employees are not corrupt. There are, however, pockets of corruption which will
continue to be dealt with whenever they manifest themselves. Mr Msimang has
urged Home Affairs officials and members of the public to report any suspected
acts of corruption by dialling the National Anti-Corruption hotline on 0800 701
701.
Enquiries:
Jacky Mashapu
Cell: 082 885 8449
Tel: 012 810 7308
E-mail: Mashapu@dha.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Home Affairs
20 December 2007
Source: Department of Affairs (http://www.dha.gov.za)
