This follows a sweeping investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into corruption and maladministration in the country’s immigration system.
The SIU probe uncovered recurring patterns of document fraud, visa manipulation and networks facilitating unauthorised entry into the country. Schreiber said the findings reflect deep‑rooted problems within the department, but stressed that decisive action is now underway.
Since April last year, 20 Home Affairs officials have been dismissed and 16 suspended for serious misconduct. Schreiber said that, in total, the department has dismissed more than 55 officials since July 2024. At least 90% of these cases relate to corruption, fraud or deliberate violation of internal processes.
“We have 275 criminal referrals out of this work and 111 investigations closed. We also have a number of disciplinary processes still live, and we are looking at administrative processes to potentially revoke over 2 000 visas that may have come fraudulently out of this kind of work,” Schreiber said at a briefing on Monday.
“Accountability is happening. We are enforcing very serious consequences and we are also changing the system.”
The SIU’s interim report also exposed a corruption scandal worth more than $1 million involving self‑proclaimed prophets Shepherd Bushiri and Timothy Omotoso, as well as businessman Kudakwashe Mpofu. The trio allegedly benefited from a sophisticated visa and permanent residence fraud scheme facilitated by corrupt Home Affairs officials.
The investigation was authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa after whistleblowers reported irregularities. It revealed how systemic weaknesses in the immigration system were exploited for personal gain.
SIU Head Leonard Lekgetho said the report uncovered a network in which officials responsible for safeguarding the integrity of Home Affairs instead turned their positions into opportunities for profit.
“Officials entrusted with protecting the department’s integrity turned their positions into a profit‑making scheme. External actors including Bushiri, Mpofu and Nigerian Rapper Prince Obioma, exploited fabricated documents and manipulated system weaknesses to secure permanent residence,” Lekgetho said.
The SIU is expected to submit further recommendations as additional investigations continue.
–SABC/ChannelAfrica–
