A 56-year-old immigration officer at the Beitbridge Port of Entry in Musina, Limpopo, has been arrested for allegedly accepting bribes from foreign nationals attempting to enter South Africa illegally. The operation, conducted by the Limpopo police’s Operation Vala Umgodi, also resulted in the arrest of six illegal foreigners.
According to Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, the police executed a sting operation early on September 29, utilizing surveillance to uncover corruption within their ranks. At approximately 6:30 AM, officers observed an individual approaching the immigration officer, leading to a suspected exchange of money. Following this observation, an investigation was launched, during which the officer was found in possession of R3,100, for which she could not provide a satisfactory explanation. Additionally, six passports belonging to foreign nationals were discovered in her possession.
The owners of the passports were located on buses arriving from Malawi, awaiting processing at the Port of Entry. Upon being interviewed, the foreigners—aged between 27 and 43—were unable to explain their situation or the cash found with the officer. The Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit has been alerted, and both the money and the passports were seized as evidence. The immigration officer, along with the six foreign nationals, was scheduled to appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on September 30.
Major General Samuel Manala, the acting provincial commissioner of police, praised the arrests and highlighted the police’s commitment to combating corruption within law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to address issues of bribery and corruption at the border.
In other news – Mafikizolo’s Nhlanhla Mafu set to wed this weekend
Mafikizolo singer Nhlanhla Mafu is set to tie the knot this weekend, marking a new chapter in her life after her divorce from TK Nciza. The couple was married for 20 years before parting ways, but Nhlanhla has since found love again.
Over a year ago, she reconnected with her childhood friend Jerry, who hails from Kagiso in Mogale City. The couple’s romance has blossomed, and they are now ready to take their commitment to the next level. Read More
