On May 17, 2024, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), in collaboration with the Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigations (the Hawks), executed coordinated raids at various Home Affairs offices across five provinces.
This comprehensive operation, which commenced at approximately 09:00, was a critical phase in an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption and maladministration within the Department of Home Affairs. The raids were conducted under the authority of a search warrant granted by the Special Tribunal on May 10.
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The targeted locations included the Department of Home Affairs head office situated in Pretoria CBD, a vital server room in Centurion, and the Desmond Tutu Refugee Centre located in Marabastad.
Additionally, the refugee reception centres in Musina (Limpopo), Cape Town (Western Cape), Gqeberha (Eastern Cape), and Durban (KwaZulu-Natal) were also raided.
These strategic locations were chosen based on intelligence gathered from a whistleblower’s tip-off, which alleged that Home Affairs officials were conspiring with syndicates to duplicate application status files and manipulate immigration systems.
This collusion purportedly enabled illegal immigrants to acquire permits unlawfully.
During the raids, the SIU and Hawks seized a significant amount of evidence, including computers, electronic equipment, and various documents.
These materials are anticipated to play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation, potentially uncovering the extent of the alleged corruption and maladministration.
The seized evidence will be meticulously analyzed to establish connections between Home Affairs officials and the alleged syndicates involved in the illicit activities.
The operation underscores the commitment of the SIU and Hawks to uphold the integrity of the immigration system and ensure that any irregularities are thoroughly investigated and addressed.
In a significant move to address corruption and maladministration within the Department of Home Affairs, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorized an extensive investigation under Proclamation 154 of 2024.
This proclamation empowers the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to delve into serious misconduct and improper practices within the department, focusing particularly on various immigration-related violations.
The investigation seeks to uncover malpractices in the issuance of permanent residence permits, corporate visas, business visas, work visas, and citizenship by naturalization.
These activities are scrutinized for compliance with the Immigration Act of 2002 and the South African Citizenship Act of 1995.
The scope of the investigation is broad, covering allegations from October 12, 2004, to February 16, 2024, and includes any related misconduct that may have occurred before or after these dates.
Under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU is vested with the authority to conduct comprehensive probes into these matters.
This act not only allows the SIU to investigate but also to refer evidence of criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Additionally, the SIU can institute civil actions to rectify any wrongdoing uncovered during the investigation.
One of the central objectives of this investigation is to identify systemic failures within the Department of Home Affairs.
By doing so, the SIU aims to recommend measures that will prevent similar issues from arising in the future, thereby fostering greater accountability and improving the department’s operations.
The overarching goal is to address and mitigate corruption, fraud, and maladministration, ensuring that the Department of Home Affairs functions with integrity and efficiency.
This investigation represents a crucial step towards enhancing transparency and accountability within one of South Africa’s key governmental departments. The collaboration between the SIU and other oversight bodies underscores the commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring that public services are delivered fairly and lawfully.
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