Pretoria — The Special Investigating Unit has released explosive new details from its interim investigation into the Department of Home Affairs, describing South Africa’s immigration system as a “marketplace” where permits and visas were allegedly sold to the highest bidder.
The investigation, authorised by Cyril Ramaphosa under Proclamation 154 of 2024, found that officials entrusted with safeguarding immigration processes instead manipulated systems for personal gain, working alongside external actors who allegedly exploited systemic weaknesses to secure fraudulent residence permits.
In a strongly worded statement, the SIU said the country’s borders were “not protected by law but auctioned off through corruption,” adding that South Africa was effectively being sold one permit at a time.
Among the high-profile names mentioned in connection with the broader investigation are fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri, businessman Kudakwashe Mpofu, and Nigerian rapper Prince Daniel Obioma, also known as 3GAR.
The SIU alleges that these individuals, among others, benefited from manipulated processes, fabricated documentation and improper influence to obtain residence permits irregularly. The findings build on earlier revelations that 20 Home Affairs officials have already been dismissed and dozens more disciplined as part of the department’s internal cleanup.
Mpofu was previously convicted and sentenced in a separate fraud matter, according to SIU records, while 3GAR has faced public scrutiny in connection with unrelated high-profile incidents that brought his immigration status into question. Bushiri, who fled South Africa in 2020 while out on bail, has long been the subject of extradition efforts between South Africa and Malawi.
The SIU confirmed that its interim report has been submitted to the President and is now being made publicly available. Criminal referrals have been issued, and further prosecutions are expected.
The Department of Home Affairs is simultaneously accelerating digital reforms, including the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, aimed at replacing manual visa processes that investigators say enabled corruption.
The SIU warned that the scale of the abuse represents a systemic failure that undermined national security and public trust, but said coordinated efforts between investigative authorities and the department are now underway to restore integrity.
Anyone with additional information relating to this story can contact us through email press@townpress.co.za.
Facebook Comments