Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
SOUTH Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA), working together with the specialised police unit, the Hawks, has arrested two immigration officers at the country’s border with Zimbabwe on allegations of corruption and fraud involving the illegal processing of six Malawian passports.
The duo was arrested on Monday at the ever-busy Beitbridge Port of Entry (South Africa).
In a statement, the BMA’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Communications and Marketing, Ms. Mmeme Mogosi, said the accused persons had been charged with fraud and corruption.
“The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, applauds the arrest of two Immigration Specialists at Beitbridge Port of Entry by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) on the evening of Monday, 24 February 2025,” she said.
“Their arrest follows an ongoing investigation linked to the case of Immigration Specialist Ms. Dorah Ncube, who was arrested last year for fraud and corruption related to the illegal processing of six Malawian nationals at Beitbridge. Ms Ncube remains in police custody.
“The arrested officials appeared before the Musina Magistrate’s Court this morning. The BMA has continuously reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption and remains committed to upholding the integrity of South Africa’s border management systems.”
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the organisation will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies in their investigations to ensure that those involved in corrupt activities are held accountable.
He emphasised that the authority will not tolerate any misconduct that undermines the rule of law and the security of the country.
“We assure the public that decisive action will be taken against any official found to be involved in unethical practices,” said Commissioner Masiapato.
He noted that the BMA was recently featured in an exposé by Carte Blanche, which highlighted suspicious activities related to the illegal processing of travellers.
“Although the two arrests are not related to the exposé, the BMA continues to curb corruption within its systems. Currently, the BMA is processing 45 cases yet to be concluded, involving transgressions such as aiding and abetting, as well as the illegal processing of travellers and goods. About 27 officials have been dismissed since the BMA’s inception on 1 April 2023,” said the Commissioner.
Cases of corruption are common at most ports of entry, where migrants pay officials to illegally pass through the border, obtain fraudulent visas, or extend their stay in selected
derick.khumalo