Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says 212 cases involving officials accused of serious misconduct have been referred to law enforcement for further criminal investigation and possible prosecution since April 2023.

IoL reports that MKP MP Thalente Kubheka asked the Minister for the total number of officials in his department who have been arrested and dismissed for corruption over the past three financial years.

In a written parliamentary reply, Schreiber said: ‘212 cases against Home Affairs officials involved in serious acts of misconduct were referred to law enforcement for further criminal investigation and possible prosecution since April 2023 to date.’

He said the department continues to co-operate with law enforcement agencies to ensure implicated employees are held accountable through appropriate legal channels.

Schreiber said a multi-disciplinary approach involving the Branch: Counter Corruption and Security Services was introduced in the 2023/2024 financial year to tackle passport fraud, including photo swaps.

He said this led to the arrest of a kingpin and 26 individuals in September 2023, with investigations spreading to other provinces and resulting in further arrests of officials, SA citizens, and foreign nationals. 

‘So far 27 officials were dismissed of which eight officials have been convicted and sentenced to a total of 97 years’ imprisonment,' he said.

Full IoL report