R16.3m Visa Cash Scandal: Four Home Affairs Officials On R25k Salaries ‘Pocketed Millions’

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says it has exposed what it describes as a “nefarious syndicate” operating within the Department of Home Affairs, where officials allegedly enriched themselves by unlawfully issuing visas and residence permits.

Acting SIU head Leonard Lekgetho revealed that four officials earning less than R25,000 per month received a combined R16,313,327.00 in direct deposits.

“The SIU can reveal that, so far, we have uncovered that four officials who earn less than R25 000 per month have received a total of R16,313,327.00 in direct deposits,” Lekgetho said.

The investigation was authorised by Cyril Ramaphosa under Proclamation 154 of 2024 and covers the period from 12 October 2004 to 16 February 2024.

‘Applications Sent via WhatsApp, Money Flowed Immediately’

According to the SIU, officials responsible for processing visa applications instead engaged in “systemic corruption and illicit enrichment, in violation of their official duties.”

“Their modus operandi was simple: applications were sent via WhatsApp for expedited approval, and once approved, money flowed almost immediately.”

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: WATCH: Small Bakkie Smashes Golf GTI In Viral Engen Parking Lot Rage

Payments were allegedly concealed through third-party accounts. “Payments were not made directly to officials but funnelled through accounts held by their spouses, deliberately disguising the bribes.”

The SIU also traced financial gains exceeding R181 million connected to beneficiaries of fraudulent visa applications supported by falsified documentation.

More than 2,000 study visas were fraudulently issued through internal syndicates, with administrative processes now underway to cancel them.

20 Home Affairs Officials Dismissed

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the interim findings reflect “the state of Home Affairs inherited by the seventh administration.”

“In other words, what the SIU has presented to us today is the result of up to twenty years of maladministration and malfeasance,” Schreiber said.

He confirmed that 20 officials have already been dismissed since April last year, while 75 disciplinary cases have been finalised over the past two financial years — resulting in 16 suspensions without pay and 22 written warnings.

Schreiber added that he has asked the Director-General to engage the Department of Public Service and Administration and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to prevent implicated officials facing criminal charges from being re-employed elsewhere in the State.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Hawks Hunt ‘G6’: Zimbabwean Socialite Chivayo Wanted In R15m Gold Case

Among the high-profile cases flagged, the SIU said self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri received a permanent residence permit approved by an adjudicator who was a member of his church — a situation described as a clear conflict of interest.

Investigators also raised concerns over USD 1.2 million allegedly paid in cash linked to proof of financial independence.

In another matter, Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso was reportedly granted a ministerial waiver after his visa renewal had been denied for non-compliance.

The SIU described the immigration system as having been treated as a commodity, with permits and visas “sold, traded, and laundered.”

The interim report forms part of a broader investigation into systemic corruption within Home Affairs, with criminal referrals expected to follow.