JOHANNESBURG – The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says South Africa’s immigration system was effectively turned into a “marketplace”, with permits and visas allegedly sold to the highest bidder.
Corrupt Home Affairs officials implicated in the scheme are alleged to have received approximately R16.3-million in bribes.
The findings were revealed by acting SIU head Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho following an extensive investigation by the agency.
READ: Omotoso expected to take on Home Affairs over his arrest
Several foreign nationals have been implicated in the probe, including self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri, Timothy Omotoso, and Nigerian rapper Prince Daniel Obioma, known by his stage name 3GAR.
According to Lekgetho, Bushiri, Obioma and others allegedly worked with Home Affairs officials to exploit and manipulate documentation and internal systems to secure permanent residency.
Cellphone analysis uncovered communication between officials and foreign nationals, with payments allegedly made via e-wallet transfers ranging from R500 to R3,000 to facilitate the unlawful issuing of documents.
To conceal the corruption, payments were allegedly channelled through accounts held by officials’ spouses rather than paid directly.
READ: Home Affairs minister blames criminal syndicate for shortfalls
The investigation further found that certain border control systems were compromised through corrupt practices.
The SIU began investigating the allegations in May 2024 after receiving information from a whistleblower.
"The SIU received information that these foreign nationals collude with syndicates involving corrupt Home Affairs officials to secure permits without merit. Permits are issued upon application without assessing their asylum claims," said Lekgetho.
He added that payments were made through various methods, including e-wallet transfers using cellphone numbers not registered under RICA.
READ | Lebeya: Bushiri should return to SA to prove his innocence
“The asylum seekers sent e-wallets to themselves and provided the OTPs to officials and in-kind payments such as covering official’s private rents. Officials used dummy phones to conceal transactions and communication.
“Evidence indicates that certain members of this group have acquired significant assets that are grossly disproportionate to their legal income. Some have developed private properties with extensive infrastructure.”