Home Affairs Minister Leon Scheiber recently announced that his department would support an urgent investigation by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) into allegations against a South African diplomat in Dubai.
The investigation follows reports of the diplomat allegedly selling visas and passports to United Arab Emirates (UAE) citizens wishing to visit South Africa.
The Sunday Times reported that Andrew Tsepo Lebona, South Africa’s Consul-General in Dubai, committed several security breaches. These include allegations of selling South African visas and passports to UAE citizens.
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Scheiber stated on social media platform X, “Home Affairs will support the urgent investigation of this DIRCO employee to cancel the affected visas.” Lebona’s actions have reportedly endangered national security, prompting an immediate response from the Home Affairs Department.
Minister Scheiber emphasized that corruption within the Home Affairs Department poses a severe threat to national security. He noted, “As I warned in parliament this week, corruption that threatens our national security will continue in the absence of wholesale digital transformation.”
Scheiber’s comments underscore the need to address corruption to maintain the integrity of South Africa’s immigration system.
According to the Sunday Times, Lebona had also exploited his position to grant his adult son a diplomatic passport and connect him to business deals in the UAE.
“Other officials said Tumelo Lebona was using his father’s position to solicit business opportunities in the UAE and had travelled to South Africa with businesspeople from the wealthy nation for similar purposes,” reported the Sunday Times. Lebona has been recalled to South Africa to provide an explanation for his actions.
Lebona is one of several Home Affairs officials caught selling crucial documents. His responsibilities in Dubai included assisting South Africans with travel documents. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full extent of his misconduct and to revoke any illegitimately issued visas.
“Lebona’s actions have required a thorough probe to ensure justice and maintain the security of our borders,” added Scheiber.
