A South African passport
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An investigation by the Special Investigating Unit has uncovered widespread corruption within South Africa’s immigration system, revealing that visas and residence permits were allegedly sold in exchange for bribes totalling about R16.3 million.
The findings were presented on Monday by acting SIU head Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho, who described an operation in which parts of the Department of Home Affairs were effectively turned into a trading hub for official documents. According to the SIU, certain officials accepted payments to process and approve applications that did not meet legal requirements.
The probe, which began in May 2024 after a whistleblower came forward, examined allegations that foreign nationals worked with corrupt insiders to bypass immigration rules. Investigators say permits were granted without proper assessment of asylum claims or supporting documentation, undermining the integrity of the system.
Among those named in connection with the investigation are self proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri, televangelist Timothy Omotoso, and Nigerian musician 3GAR, whose real name is Prince Daniel Obioma. The SIU alleges that these individuals, along with others, were linked to efforts to secure permanent residency through improper channels. The agency stressed that its findings form part of an ongoing process and that those implicated are entitled to respond to the allegations.
Investigators analysed cellphone records as part of the inquiry. The analysis revealed communication between applicants and officials, as well as a pattern of financial transactions. Payments allegedly ranged from R500 to R3,000 and were often made through electronic wallet transfers. In several instances, the money was reportedly sent using mobile numbers that were not registered under the Regulation of Interception of Communications Act, commonly known as RICA.
To avoid detection, some of the funds were allegedly transferred into bank accounts held in the names of spouses or associates of officials rather than directly to the officials themselves. The SIU also found evidence suggesting that dummy phones were used to communicate and process one time pins linked to the transactions. In some cases, asylum seekers are said to have sent money to themselves electronically before sharing access codes with officials to complete the transfers.
Beyond the alleged cash payments, investigators uncovered claims of in kind benefits. These reportedly included rental payments and other personal expenses covered on behalf of officials in exchange for favourable outcomes on immigration applications.
The SIU further reported that certain border management systems were compromised through corrupt practices, raising concerns about national security and the reliability of immigration controls.
Lekgetho said evidence gathered during the investigation points to unexplained wealth among some individuals involved. According to the SIU, several suspects appear to have acquired assets and developed private properties with infrastructure that far exceeds what their official salaries would support.
The unit indicated that the findings have been referred to relevant authorities for further action, which could include criminal prosecution and disciplinary proceedings. The SIU has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring integrity within public institutions and ensuring that immigration processes operate within the bounds of the law.