a safe haven for corrupt officials
26 September 2007
At least 189 Home Affairs officials have either been dismissed or suspended
between April and September 2007 with charges ranging from fraud,
misappropriation of state funds, aiding and abetting illegal immigrants,
illegal issuing of documents, selling fraudulent documents, abscondment,
soliciting bribes and theft of face value documents.
Of the 189 officials, 56 were dismissed for committing serious acts of
misconduct. Meanwhile, during the same period we have suspended 34 officials
and issued 99 final written warnings.
Commending the Department in its work to root out corruption, Home Affairs
Director-General, Mavuso Msimang says these suspensions within its ranks are in
line with the department's zero-tolerance approach to corruption.
"The department is using its own resources and is also working with law
enforcement agencies in its fight against corruption committed by persons
inside and outside the department", says Msimang.
As a result of this partnership, from April 2007 to September 2007, South
African Police Services (SAPS) has, among other actions, arrested a Mozambican
citizen in Mabopane for being in possession of South African identity documents
and passports; a Home Affairs official for conducting a fraudulent marriage in
KwaZulu-Natal; a Pakistani and a South African for fraudulent marriage
activities and seven immigration officers at the Maseru port of entry for
soliciting bribes from travellers.
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
Acting Head of Communication
Cell: 082 885 8449
E-mail: Jacky.Mashapu@dha.gov.za
Mantshele wa ga Tau
Acting Director: External Communications
Department of Home Affairs
Cell: 082 802 4814
Issued by: Department of Home Affairs
26 September 2007
Source: Department of Home Affairs (http://www.dha.gov.za)
