Two more suspects arrested for corruption at Home Affairs in KZN

An additional two suspects have been arrested for corruption in the Department of Home Affairs in the ongoing operation that began last week in KwaZulu-Natal.
On Saturday, 14 June, five suspects, including an ex-Home Affairs official, were arrested by the Serious Corruption Investigation component of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (also known as The Hawks), which is based in Pretoria.
Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the execution operation emanates from a complaint from the Department of Home Affairs relating to the issuance of fraudulent passports to undocumented foreign nationals.
Mogale said the allegations reported serious offences include corruption, fraud, and contraventions of the Identification Act and Immigration Act that took place between February 2020 and July 2023, wherein a group of South African citizens allegedly facilitated the fraudulent acquisition of South African passports by foreign nationals at DHA offices in Durban, specifically the Commercial Street branch.
'These unlawful activities took place outside of regular business hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays, when the Home Affairs offices were officially closed.
'Preliminary investigations by the DHA confirmed that the criminal activities were indeed conducted on off hours where the local citizens offered R300 to R1 000 in exchange for their cooperation especially at Home Affairs offices in Isipingo, Durban Central and Eshowe resulting in a case being opened for investigation by Serious Corruption Investigation,' Mogale explained.
According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, so far, a total of 38 individuals have been previously arrested on the matter, between September 2022 to date of which seven are Home Affairs officials whilst 31 are private citizens.
A total of 24 individuals of whom four are Home Affairs officials have been convicted and sentenced to a combined sentence of 310 years imprisonment.
The other five suspects who were arrested by the Serious Corruption Investigation on 14 June in various parts of Durban will face charges of corruption, fraud, contravention of the Immigration Act; and contravention of the Identification Act.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday, 17 June.
The DPCI has not ruled out the possibility of more suspects being arrested.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The South African

3 hours ago

• The South African

A look inside the Gupta mansions going up for auction

Three high-class Gupta mansions in Saxonwold, Johannesburg, will be up for auction on 24 July 2025. This follows the business rescue for the family's company, Confident Concept (Pty) Ltd, which the properties fall under. Park Village Auction's Clive Lazarus described the sale as signalling the 'beginning of the end' of the seven-year saga. The viewing of the properties, handled by Park Village Auctions, will be held between 6 and 20 July 2025. The first mansion will be the triple-storey residence at 5 Saxonwold Drive, featuring eight bedrooms, extensive living and entertainment areas, an indoor swimming pool, an expansive rooftop patio, staff accommodation, and ample garaging. The mansion measures up to 4,207 sqm. The 5 Saxonwold Drive mansion. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. Indoor swimming pool. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. The next property available for auction is the number 7 Saxonwold Drive, also a triple storey, has a staggering 17 en-suite bedrooms. The property features a triple-volume foyer, multiple lounges, a cinema lounge, staff accommodation and even a beauty salon. The 7 Saxonwold Drive property. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. A salon inside the property. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. Last but not least on the list is number 3 Saxonwold Drive single-storey three-bedroom home with a single garage, storeroom, and staff accommodation. The number 3 Saxonwold Drive. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. The entire contents of each house, namely furniture and appliances, will be sold as a single lot (not individual items) following each respective property. To be part of the bid, you have to register and pay the relevant refundable deposits. Viewings of the properties will be held on 6, 13, 19 and 20 July 2025 from 10:00 to 16:00. The Saxonwold properties once hosted prominent figures such as the former Deputy Finance Minister, Mcebisi Jonas, who confessed at the Zondo commission about bribes and corruption he encountered during a meeting at one of the Gupta residences. The family's business, Confident Concept (Pty) Ltd, has been involved in two legal battles, including business rescue proceedings following financial distress and disputes over property development with municipal authorities. The company owned a substantial portfolio of properties, including those adjacent to the infamous Saxonwold compound in Johannesburg. Notably, these properties were embroiled in litigation with the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), allegedly owing R726,695 in rates and taxes as of 2022. After years of several appeals at the Supreme Court of Appeal, the Appellate Division finally ruled, allowing the Confident Concepts properties to go up for auction and 'hopefully lead to a long-awaited payday for creditors,' says Lazarus. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

The South African

12 hours ago

• The South African

Surviving to thriving: SPCA shares heartwarming update on Bobby

The SPCA has shared a heartwarming update on Bobby, a dog rescued after it was spotted in a viral TikTok video earlier this month. Images of the emaciated dog – who had been forced to eat plastic to survive – left many South Africans enraged and calling for action. Johannesburg content creator Sasha Tshiamo and the dog's owners are now facing charges of animal cruelty. Earlier this month, a TikTok video featuring Sasha Tshiamo dancing was posted on the X platform. The video quickly went viral because of an emaciated dog in the background. The animal's ribcage was clearly visible, and it appeared lethargic. Following a nationwide call, the SPCA stepped in, removing the dog – affectionately nicknamed 'Bobby' – from her shocking living conditions. The animal activists revealed that both the dog's owner – who willingly surrendered the animal – and the influencer were now facing animal cruelty charges. In a social media post, the SPCA shared an update about Bobby, who appeared to be thriving under their care. In a video clip, brave Bobby is seen wearing a winter jersey as she frolics in a garden and happily poses for pictures. The heartwarming caption read: 'One sad video, one brave dog, one second chance. 'Bobby's story didn't end in the background – it's only just begun! From a shadow of herself to a brave and beautiful girl. It turns out that all Bobby needed was a little love and some treats.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by NSPCA (@ According to the SPCA, Bobby will soon be up for adoption. The SPCA has repeatedly warned the public that animal abusers can be criminally charged under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. The act – which was established to prevent the cruelty of animals – stipulates that those found guilty can face a fine or imprisonment. The SPCA rescued a starving dog that captured the hearts of South Africans. Content creator Sasha Tshiamo is now facing animal cruelty charges over the viral video. Images via X: @nspca_sa Offenders could also face a denial of ownership – preventing them from owning animals – as well as a criminal conviction. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.

eNCA

15 hours ago

• eNCA

Zambian ex-president to be buried in South Africa after funeral row

LUSAKA - The family of Zambia's late president, Edgar Lungu, announced on Friday that he will be buried in South Africa after a row with the Zambian government over its plans for a state funeral. Lungu's family on Wednesday stopped his body from being repatriated from South Africa, where he died in hospital on June 5, after it emerged that President Hakainde Hichilema planned to receive it upon arrival against the late leader's wishes. In response, Hichilema cut short an extended period of national mourning for Lungu, whom he replaced in 2021 after winning elections. Lungu's funeral and burial "will take place here in South Africa, in accordance with the family's wishes for a private ceremony", spokesman Makebi Zulu said in a statement. "The Lungu family continues to seek peace and unity amongst fellow Zambians during this time," the statement said, thanking the South African government for its "non-interference and respect of the... rights of the family". The cause of the former president's death at the age of 68 was not announced but he had been receiving specialised treatment in a clinic in Pretoria, his Patriotic Front party said. He was elected to lead the copper-rich southern African country in 2015 but lost elections six years later to Hichilema, from the United Party for National Development. Since then, his wife and children have been charged with corruption and possession of suspected proceeds of crime in what the family has claimed to be part of a political vendetta. Lungu's daughter Tasila Lungu was arrested in February on money laundering charges. She was previously detained alongside her mother and sister on fraud charges in 2024. Her brother, Dalitso, is also facing corruption charges. An initial seven days of mourning for Lungu was extended by another nine days to end on June 23, the day after the government had scheduled a state funeral for. But Hichilema ended the period of mourning four days early on Thursday in reaction to the family's refusal to allow the body to return.