SIU uncovers Home Affairs bribery scheme worth R16.3m
· The South African
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says corrupt practices turned South Africa’s immigration system into what it described as a “marketplace”, where officials allegedly sold permits and visas.
Acting SIU head Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho said investigators linked several Home Affairs officials to the scheme.
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The officials allegedly received about R16.3-million in bribes.
High-profile figures implicated in Home Affairs bribery scheme
The probe implicated several foreign nationals, including self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri, televangelist Timothy Omotoso, and Nigerian rapper Prince Daniel Obioma, also known as 3GAR.
Lekgetho said Bushiri, Obioma and others allegedly worked with Home Affairs officials to manipulate documentation and internal systems to obtain permanent residency.
Cellphone analysis revealed communication between officials and some of the suspects.
The SIU said payments allegedly flowed through e-wallet transfers ranging from R500 to R3 000 to facilitate the unlawful issuing of documents.
Attempts to conceal bribery-related transactions
Investigators believe some officials tried to hide the payments by channelling funds through bank accounts held by their spouses.
Lekgetho said officials also used unregistered cellphone numbers and so-called dummy phones to mask transactions and communication.
The SIU further found that corrupt activities may have compromised certain border control systems.
The SIU launched the investigation in May 2024 after receiving information from a whistleblower.
Assets raise red flags
Lekgetho said evidence suggests that some individuals linked to the scheme acquired assets far beyond their known income.
“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,” he said.