Systemic corruption at Home Affairs: Officials, religious figures implicated in R16.3m scam - SIU
The Special Investigating Unit has revealed shocking evidence of widespread corruption and maladministration within the Department of Home Affairs, including fraudulent visa approvals, unlawful financial gains by officials, and exploitation by religious figures and external actors.
Acting SIU head Leonard Lekgetho told the media that the investigation uncovered a system where permits, visas, and permanent residence approvals were effectively “sold to the highest bidder.”
"The Special Investigating Unit has uncovered a disturbing reality. South Africa’s immigration system has been treated as a marketplace where permits and visas are sold to the highest bidder. Officials entrusted with safeguarding the integrity of the Department of Home Affairs instead turned their positions into a profit-making scheme."
Officials pocket R16.3 million in unlawful gains
According to the SIU, four Home Affairs officials — each earning less than R25,000 a month — received a total of R16.3 million through illicit channels.
Payments were routed through spouses’ accounts, cash, and e-wallets to conceal the transactions, which were linked directly to visa and permanent residence approvals.
"Applications were sent via WhatsApp for expedited approval, and once approved, money flowed almost immediately," Lekgetho said.
"Officials turned the payment system into a marketplace. Some used intermediaries, spouses, and other actors to launder the bribes, masking their illicit gains."
The officials allegedly purchased multiple properties, constructed high-value homes, and invested in large-scale infrastructure developments inconsistent with their declared incomes.
"One official accumulated enough wealth to build a mansion and even paved a road leading to her home, all on a modest government salary," Lekgetho added.
#SIUWorkingForYou| The Acting Head of the SIU, mR Leonard Lekgetho has taken to the podium:
— Special Investigating Unit (SIU) (@RSASIU) February 23, 2026
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has uncovered a disturbing reality: South Africa’s immigration system has been treated as a marketplace, where permits and visas were sold to the… https://t.co/Pt3MXrqbIx pic.twitter.com/23Mk18d1t1
Religious figures exploited the system
The investigation also uncovered a network of religious leaders and intermediaries accused of manipulating the immigration system.
High-profile figures such as Shepherd Bushiri and Pastor Timothy Omotoso were implicated in using church influence, falsified financial documents, and fraudulent sponsorships to secure permanent residence illegally.
"External actors exploited, influenced, fabricated documentation, and manipulated system weaknesses to secure permanent residence," Lekgetho said.
In Bushiri’s case, investigators found that his permanent residence application was approved by an adjudicator who was a member of his church, representing a clear conflict of interest.
"Bushiri’s application was supported by a fraudulent financial independence letter signed by a chartered accountant, who admitted being paid merely for his signature. He even presented proof of an aircraft purchase to claim financial sustainability. Donations meant for his church were used to fund private wealth."
Pastor Timothy Omotoso
— Special Investigating Unit (SIU) (@RSASIU) February 23, 2026
Pastor Timothy Omotoso's modus operandi was fundamentally built on fraud and misrepresentation to gain entry into, and subsequent residence in, South Africa. His initial entry was secured through a fraudulently obtained work permit, issued in a country… pic.twitter.com/RaNHFyK2Nj
Fraudulent visas and systemic failures
The SIU found that fraudulent visa applications allowed some foreign nationals to remain in South Africa despite rejected asylum claims. Complex schemes included identity fraud, DNA manipulation, and exploitation of retirement visa categories.
"The country’s borders were not protected by law but auctioned off through corruption, we traced financial gains exceeding R181 million linked to fraudulent visa approvals, showing how systemic corruption undermined public trust and security," Lekgetho said.
Among the high-profile cases was Nigerian national Prince Obioma, who re-entered South Africa despite overstaying his visa and was later involved in a high-profile McLaren crash.
Criminal referrals and reforms underway
The SIU has referred 275 criminal matters to the National Prosecuting Authority, closed 111 investigations, and made 100 administrative referrals to Home Affairs for the deportation of foreign nationals with fraudulent visas. Six disciplinary referrals have also been issued.
Lekgetho emphasised that the investigation was aimed at systemic reform rather than solely recovery of funds.
"This investigation shows corruption in the visa system is organised, deliberate, and devastating to public trust. Officials exploited weaknesses in verification, monitoring, and administrative systems for personal enrichment.
"We are working hand in hand with the department, and we have already seen some officials dismissed. The Department of Home Affairs has also started implementing measures to plug gaps, including system modernisation and stricter vetting of employees."
The SIU has established a Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum to coordinate a whole-of-society approach to immigration enforcement, bringing together government departments, law enforcement, and civil society to curb systemic fraud.
"We are committed to fighting this organised crime syndicate, which is sophisticated and highly coordinated. Without intervention, it threatens national security, economic stability, and public trust," Lekgetho warned.
