The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs welcomes the arrest of 15 border police officers and two home affairs officials at the Kopfontein border between South Africa and Botswana. The officials are suspected of allegedly assisting smugglers at the border post.
The arrests represent a positive move by the state in the fight against corruption and in dealing with porous land borders. The Committee commends the work undertaken by the Hawks that led to the arrest of these suspects. The Committee is further encouraged by the fact that investigation was initiated as a result of a citizen tip-off. The Committee calls for more community participation as the authorities intensify the fight against corruption.
The Committee calls for the speedy and effective prosecution of the arrested officials. The successful prosecution will be a deterrent to those officials who consider breaking the laws they are employed to uphold.
Furthermore, the Committee calls on all officials employed in positions of trust to desist from engaging in any unlawful activities, as these acts have far-reaching consequences for South Africa’s economy, security and sovereignty and for their livelihoods. It is incumbent upon every South African to be vigilant and to report any such acts to the police.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Malatswa Evans Molepo
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za
