Two Immigration Officials from the Department of Home Affairs, Sigqibo Ngcuzana (41), and Andiswa Ndlathu (38), appeared on 13 August 2019, at the Maluti Magistrate’s Court for allegedly demanding a R40 000 bribe from three undocumented detainees in exchange of their freedom and renewal of permits.
The officials were arrested on Monday 12 August 2019, in Maluti by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Crime Investigation unit following a sting operation where R15 000 of the alleged bribe money was recovered. Further investigations linked a 35 year old suspect to the case for reportedly being the middleman who collected cash from friends and families of the detainees on behalf of the officials.
The suspect was arrested in Matatiele after a further alleged bribe money amounting to R15 000 was recovered from him, he is expected to appear before court on 14 August 2019, for corruption.
The alleged corrupt activities emanate from an operation by the police and immigration officials conducted between 7 and 10 August 2019, in the Maluti area where scores of undocumented persons were arrested for being in the country illegally.
Ngcuzana and Ndlathu who remain in custody are expected back in court on 20 August 2019, for a formal bail application.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
