In a significant crackdown on corruption within South Africa’s Home Affairs Department, former official Judy Zuma has been sentenced to 12 years of direct imprisonment.
The sentence comes after her involvement in a syndicate delivering fraudulent passports to foreign nationals who did not qualify for the documents.
Zuma pleaded guilty to charges of fraud, corruption, contravention of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, and contravention of the Identification Act.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Pretoria Girls High Pupils Accused Of Racism Cleared Of Wrongdoing
According to the Hawks, Zuma operated a syndicate colluding with South African citizens to assist foreign nationals from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
These foreign nationals fraudulently replaced the legitimate owner’s photos with their own, thereby assuming the identities of South African citizens.
The Department of Home Affairs revealed that between 28 May and 12 June 2021, Zuma processed 193 passports for foreign nationals, receiving R4,000 for each passport.
All affected passports have been red-flagged to prevent usage at ports of entry, with two foreign nationals already imprisoned for their involvement.
Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, welcomed the sentencing of Judy Zuma, stressing that it sends a clear message against corruption.
Schreiber emphasized the importance of a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption within the department, which is central to national security.
The Minister further expressed his commitment to supporting the department’s counter-corruption branch and reaffirmed the resolve to bring corrupt criminals to justice.
