Home Affairs scandal: Seven arrested amid backlog issues

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has landed in hot water following investigations. The Serious Corruption Investigation component of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation arrested two more suspects. Authorities arrested seven people during an ongoing operation in KwaZulu-Natal.

The matter is regarding issuing fraudulent passports to undocumented foreign nationals. The DHA is allegedly involved in corruption, fraud, and contraventions of the Identification Act and Immigration Act.

Police spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, said preliminary investigations found citizens offered the DHA employees between R300 to R1000 in exchange for the unlawful services. He said the unlawful activities happened when the offices were closed.

The crimes were prevalent at Home Affairs offices in Isipingo, Durban Central and Eshowe. The Serious Corruption Investigation is probing the matter.

DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS APPEAR IN COURT

Meanwhile, seven of the accused appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crimes court. Philani Mmeli Zaca, Fumani “Guru” Hlayisi, Zime Anita Shange, Bongiwe Kubheka, Thandiwe Pretty Khwela, Lungisani Siyanda Mzobe, and Lindokuhle Bongumusa Mpanza made their appearance. The court postponed the case to Friday, 20 June, for legal aid and a formal bail application. The court also remanded the accused in custody.

National Prosecuting Authority Regional Spokesperson for KZN Natasha Ramkisson-Kara says the accused face numerous charges. They face charges of fraud, Contraventions of the Identification Act, 68 of 1997, diverse Contraventions of the Immigration Act, 13 of 2002 (as amended), and Corruption (accepting gratification).

HOME AFFAIRS IN HOT WATER FOR BACKLOG

The arrests follow allegations that at least a quarter of a million people are still waiting Home Affairs to process their late birth registration applications. The Children’s Institute has filed a court application with the Western Cape High Court. This seeks to compel the DHA to act on the backlog.

The institute says the Home Affairs Department has affected the fundamental rights of children and their parents, and caregivers. As a result, it wants the court to order the DHA to develop a clear plan to deal with the backlog.

HOW CAN THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS RESTORE PUBLIC TRUST?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
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