Johannesburg – Two immigration specialists at the Beitbridge border post have been arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation – better known as the Hawks – and the Border Management Authority (BMA) on suspicion of corruption.
The pair were arrested in the evening on Monday, (24 February 2025).
Reacting to the matter on Tuesday, (25 February 2025), the Commissioner of the BMA Dr. Michael Masiapato applauded the arrests and warned against wrongdoing.
The arrest of the two suspects follows an ongoing investigation linked to the case of immigration specialist, Dorah Ncube, who was arrested last year for fraud and corruption related to the illegal processing of six Malawian nationals at Beitbridge.
Ncube remains in police custody.
The BMA said the arrested officials appeared before the Musina Magistrate’s Court earlier Tuesday.
The BMA said it has continuously reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption and remains committed to upholding the integrity of South Africa’s border management systems.
Commissioner Masiapato said: “We continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies in their investigations to ensure that those involved in corrupt activities are held accountable.
“The BMA will not tolerate any misconduct that undermines the rule of law and the security of the country.
“We assure the public that decisive action will be taken against any official found to be involved in unethical practices.”
The BMA was featured in an expose done by Carte Blanche highlighting suspicious activities on illegal processing of travellers.
Although the two arrests were not related to the expose, the BMA said it continues to curb corruption within its systems.
Presently, the BMA said it was processing 45 cases that are still to be concluded with transgressions including aiding and abetting as well as illegal processing of travellers and goods.
About 27 officials have been dismissed since the BMA’s inception on 1 April 2023.
Further updates on the arrests of the two officials will be provided as investigations progress.
Operation HI -TIVISE – Report suspicious activities at ports of entry to 0801 229 019 – If you see something, say something.
