The Border Management Authority (BMA) has arrested a 56-year-old official stationed at the Maseru Port of Entry with Lesotho on corruption-related charges after he was allegedly found in possession of 22 stamped Lesotho passports and cash.
Intelligence-driven operation leads to arrest
Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato confirmed the arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation involving the BMA Integrity Management Unit, the Department of Home Affairs Counter Corruption Unit, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Ladybrand Detectives and K9 Unit, and Crime Intelligence Free State.
The operation was launched after information from the State Security Agency flagged several Lesotho nationals' passports that had been placed under monitoring. Intelligence indicated the documents had allegedly been moved from Limpopo to Ladybrand so they could be unlawfully stamped and their visa validity extended, allowing the holders to remain in South Africa without being physical present – a clear breach of the law.
Official found with stamped passports and cash
At the time of the arrest, the official was allegedly found with 22 stamped Lesotho passports belonging to people who were not present, as well as R2100 in cash. He was arrested on the spot and is expected to appear in the Ladybrand Magistrate's Court on charges relating to corruption, possession of passports without lawful authority, and immigration offences. The investigation is ongoing and further arrests have not been ruled out.
The arrest came just over 10 days after the fifth instalment of the Anti-Corruption Awareness Campaign, hosted under the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum at OR Tambo International Airport.
Commissioner reaffirms zero-tolerance stance on corruption
Commissioner Masiapato said the BMA was established to tackle longstanding problems of illegal immigration and corruption at ports of entry. “South Africa is beginning to see the tangible benefits of the BMA leadership's firm and uncompromising stance against corruption,” he said.
He noted that the authority is currently finalising more than 60 labour relations and disciplinary cases involving internal control breaches, fraud, corruption and other misconduct. In the past three months alone, 17 officials have been dismissed, with more dismissals expected.
Masiapato, who brings extensive intelligence experience to the role, reiterated that the BMA remains committed to rooting out corruption and protecting the integrity of South Africa's ports of entry. The authority will continue working closely with law enforcement and security agencies to investigate and prosecute officials involved in unlawful activities.