Eight officials in Lebombo Border passports scam appear in court
Eight people appeared in the Komatipoort Magistrate's Court on Monday November 15 following an investigation into illegal border crossing at the Lebombo Border Post.
The eight accused, Vusi Stanley Masuku (35), Sipho Mabunda (53), Anthony Zitha (35), Musa Sifiso Lamola (50), Getrude Nkuna (45), Ensiena Mmalaerato Chiloane (52) (all immigration officials), Tommy Jania Mhlangane (46) (a police officer) and Arlinda Zeferino Passe (36) (a foreign national hawker), had been arrested by Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation Mpumalanga and the Department of Home Affairs Anti-corruption Unit in connection with corruption.
They were remanded in custody while the bail for the immigration officials and the police officer was set to R2 000 each. The foreign national was denied bail and remanded in custody.
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The case against the eight was postponed to December 3 for further investigation.
According to the provincial Hawks’ spokesperson, Capt Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi, an intelligence-driven operation was conducted at the border from December 2019 until their arrests on Friday November 12.
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“Information was received from Crime Intelligence regarding the allegation of fraud and corruption by some immigration officials attached to Lebombo Port of Entry, that they were issuing temporary residential permits and working permits, and also stamping passports to extend the stay of the illegal immigrants from Mozambique, eSwatini, Zimbabwe and Malawi. It is further alleged that an immigrant can send an individual with their passports and bribe money to the immigration officials at the Lebombo Port of Entry for stamping.
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“During the operation, the alleged targets were positively identified and spotted while in action. Information was gathered and the investigation linked the suspects to the crime. A warrant of arrest was obtained and executed between November 12 and 15,” said Sekgotodi.
The provincial head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Mpumalanga, Maj Gen Zodwa Mokoena, applauded the good work by the team.
