Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA), has suspended one of its officials at the Beitbridge Border Post following her arrest for having cash and six passports belonging to Malawian travellers.
The incident occurred on Sunday when the 52-year-old immigration officer was on duty.
In a statement issued today, the BMA said the official was arrested with six suspected illegal immigrants by the South African Police Service (SAPS) members during a sting operation.
“She had R3 700, which she could not account for, and six passports belonging to travellers who were in a bus arriving from Malawi,” said the BMA.
“The travellers were waiting to be processed at the Beitbridge port of entry. The suspects are in custody and the matter has been referred for further investigation.”
BMA chairperson Dr Michael Masiapato said the organisation has a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of corruption or unethical conduct.
“Our mandate is to ensure that the country’s ports of entry are managed with the highest levels of integrity and professionalism,” he said.
“The actions of one individual will not be allowed to compromise the credibility and reputation of the BMA brand and we hope for more arrests on this matter.”



