The Special Investigating Unit (SIU), in collaboration with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), executed a series of raids at Department of Home Affairs offices across five provinces on Friday. This operation is part of a comprehensive investigation into allegations of corruption within the department.
Authorized by a search warrant from the Special Tribunal on 10 May, the SIU and Hawks targeted the Department’s head office in Pretoria, the Centurion office, and the Desmond Tutu Refugee Centre in Marabastad, among others. Additional raids were conducted at Refugee Reception Centres in Musina, Cape Town, Gqeberha, and Durban.
The actions were prompted by whistleblower reports alleging collusion between Home Affairs officials and criminal syndicates. Accusations include the replication and processing of application status files for a fee, and manipulation of immigration systems to grant illegal permits to foreign nationals.
These permits, obtained through illicit means, reportedly allowed individuals to remain in the country, eventually leading to applications for Permanent Resident Permits and South African citizenship.
During the raids, SIU and Hawks personnel confiscated computers, electronic devices, and documents to aid in the ongoing investigation.
Under Proclamation 154 of 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa has mandated the SIU to investigate serious maladministration and misconduct at Home Affairs. The investigation encompasses a range of visa and citizenship processes, scrutinizing adherence to the Immigration Act, 2002, and the South African Citizenship Act, 1995, among other regulatory frameworks.
The SIU’s mandate extends to any related irregularities occurring between 12 October 2004 and 16 February 2024, as well as any pertinent activities before or after these dates.
The SIU aims to identify systemic failures and recommend improvements to prevent future malpractices. Any evidence of criminal activity uncovered will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for prosecution.
The SIU is also authorized to initiate civil proceedings to address any corruption, fraud, or maladministration discovered during its investigations.
