The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has uncovered a highly organised syndicate operating within the Department of Home Affairs, allegedly selling visas, permits, and even South African citizenship to undeserving foreign nationals.
SIU Acting Head Leonard Lekgetho confirmed the findings, describing a corrupt “marketplace” inside the department where officials facilitated the illegal issuance of immigration documents. According to Lekgetho, officials charged up to R40,000 per study visa, with many fraudulent permits linked to a single university that allegedly verified fake student enrollments over the phone.
“This syndicate was well orchestrated, well organized together with officials,” Lekgetho said. “When you call [the university], there’s somebody who answers the call to say yes, this is a student here.”
The abuse extended beyond study visas. Lekgetho detailed corruption involving work visas, exceptional skills visas, permanent resident permits, citizenship naturalization, business visas, and retired person visas. In one instance, individuals as young as 40 years old allegedly applied for retired person visas—a category not intended for that age group.
Study visas were particularly exploited because they can be issued for five-year periods and renewed, allowing individuals to remain in South Africa for over two decades without pursuing any actual education.
Financial Discrepancies and Disciplinary Action
The investigation identified four officials who each earned less than R25,000 per month but collectively received over R16 million in direct deposits—income deemed grossly disproportionate to their legal salaries.
Lekgetho confirmed that disciplinary matters have been referred to the department, with processes currently underway. One official resigned during the investigation; however, the SIU freezes pensions of officials who resign while under investigation to prevent asset dissipation.
Criminal aspects of the case have been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Lekgetho stated that the SIU has also engaged with the Asset Forfeiture Unit to preserve assets allegedly acquired through corrupt means.
Ongoing Investigations and Preventative Measures
The probe remains active, with investigators examining additional areas including visas issued to religious leaders such as pastors and prophets, asylum seeker applications, and further syndicate activities involving departmental officials.
Addressing concerns about systemic compromise, Lekgetho emphasized that while the investigation focuses on past misconduct, the Department of Home Affairs has implemented modernization measures to address identified vulnerabilities.
“We are working well with them. We can say that the tap has been closed in terms of those aspects,” Lekgetho said.
Prevention is now a priority. The SIU, in collaboration with the Border Management Authority, is conducting anti-corruption awareness sessions at borders, including an upcoming program at the **Oshoek** border post. A Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum has been established to coordinate stakeholders.
Lekgetho stressed the critical importance of lifestyle audits, noting that earlier implementation could have flagged officials living beyond their means. The SIU is engaging with the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) to support rollout across government.
Additionally, the unit is advancing data analytics and predictive modeling to identify corruption risks proactively. A National Corruption Risk Framework, focused on prevention rather than reactive investigation, is currently progressing through government adoption processes.
Update on High-Profile Asset Recovery Case
In a separate matter, Lekgetho provided an update on the recent arrest of Mpumalanga car dealer Ysef Omar. SIU officials, accompanied by the South African Police Service and the Hawks, executed a court order to locate a Bentley vehicle frozen under prior litigation and to secure related footage.
The vehicle was not found at the premises. Omar has been given five days to disclose the vehicle’s whereabouts or, if sold, details of the transaction and purchaser. He is also scheduled to appear before a tribunal on June 3 to explain the disposal of an asset under curatorship.
Lekgetho noted that while Omar has made public statements regarding the matter, some contain factual inaccuracies. However, the SIU will refrain from public commentary until legal processes conclude to avoid prejudicing ongoing proceedings.
The SIU continues its work to root out corruption, recover state assets, and strengthen institutional safeguards against future abuse.
