General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s warning that authorities were closing in on senior Home Affairs officials has drawn renewed attention following the arrest of two former officials accused of allegedly issuing fraudulent South African passports to foreign nationals for payments of up to R100,000.
The two former officials were arrested following a joint investigation by the Department of Home Affairs’ Counter Corruption Unit and the Hawks.
The case centres on allegations that South African passports were unlawfully issued to foreign nationals in exchange for substantial payments, raising concerns about corruption within the systems responsible for the country’s identity and travel documents.
Mkhwanazi’s warning puts spotlight on Home Affairs
Mkhwanazi previously indicated that authorities were closing in on senior officials within the Department of Home Affairs, drawing attention to concerns about alleged corruption within the institution.
The latest arrests bring renewed focus to those remarks, particularly as investigators pursue allegations involving the fraudulent issuing of South African passports.
However, it has not been confirmed whether the two former officials arrested in this case are among the individuals Mkhwanazi was referring to. The arrests should therefore not be treated as confirmation of the specific allegations he raised.
Officials accused of issuing passports for up to R100,000
According to the information available, the former officials allegedly facilitated the issuing of fraudulent South African passports to foreign nationals in exchange for payments of up to R100,000.
The investigation was conducted jointly by Home Affairs’ Counter Corruption Unit and the Hawks.
Meanwhile, the department is strengthening its digital systems as part of efforts to prevent fraud and protect the integrity of official documents.
Further details, including the identities of the accused, the specific charges they face and their court appearances, have not yet been provided.
The allegations remain subject to the legal process.
