Mass dismissals signal zero tolerance for graft at borders
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has sacked over 50 immigration officials caught engaging in corrupt practices at key entry points across South Africa, with dozens more facing investigation as the agency intensifies its anti-corruption drive.
BMA Commissioner Micheal Masiapato confirmed the dismissals while attending an Anti-Corruption Forum held in Ladybrand on Tuesday, revealing that an additional 38 immigration officers are presently being probed for wrongdoing. The affected entry points include the Beitbridge, Lebombo, Oshoek and Maseru Bridge border posts, along with OR Tambo International Airport.
Masiapato acknowledged that the authority is severely understaffed, operating at just a quarter of its intended workforce. He noted that the BMA should have 11 200 personnel but currently has only 2 600, leaving approximately 8 000 positions unfilled — a staggering 75% vacancy rate.
"There is no place for corrupt officials in the BMA. We are working with the Hawks and the Special Investigating Unit to ensure that those who tarnish our badge face the full might of the law. We cannot fix the borders if we are busy breaking the law ourselves. Our mandate is to facilitate legitimate trade and travel, not to erect barriers of bribery."
The Commissioner welcomed the financial backing of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, who have earmarked more than R900 million to enable the BMA to bring on board over 700 new recruits from 1 April 2026. As part of the broader campaign to stamp out fraud, the BMA and the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum (BMIACF) staged their latest awareness initiative at the Maseru Bridge port of entry, where leaders publicly signed an anti-corruption pledge and urged border personnel to do the same.
Masiapato stressed that corruption extends beyond large financial transactions, encompassing any form of gratification, favouring acquaintances and relatives, or exploiting one's position for personal benefit. He cautioned that officials who take bribes not only violate the law but also enable criminal activity, deprive the state of revenue and undermine national security, warning that corrupt officers would ultimately become "clients" of Correctional Services.
SIU probe uncovers disturbing scale of border fraud
Special Investigating Unit (SIU) Acting Head and BMIACF Chairperson Leonard Lekgetho painted a troubling picture of the extent of corruption uncovered through recent investigations. He told media that officials tasked with protecting the immigration system had instead transformed it into a marketplace where permits and visas were traded to the highest bidder.
"Officials earning less than R25 000 per month received deposits amounting to over R16 million, funnelling bribes through spouses' accounts to disguise their illicit gains. Some built mansions, purchased luxury vehicles, and enriched themselves by unlawfully approving fraudulent permits. Syndicates operated with precision, exploiting weaknesses in verification processes."
Lekgetho revealed that under Proclamation 154 of 2024, the SIU has referred hundreds of cases for criminal prosecution, disciplinary proceedings and administrative review. Officials implicated in fraudulent visa schemes have already been dismissed and face imminent prosecution. The BMIACF, established in 2025, has also developed the National Corruption Risk Management and Prevention Framework, which introduces proactive measures including lifestyle audits, employee vetting, data analytics and artificial intelligence to detect irregularities before they take root.
Major General Mogadi Bokaba of the Free State Hawks emphasised that tackling border corruption demands collaboration across multiple agencies, noting that progress has been made in combating serious organised and commercial crime. He urged citizens to protect their identity documents, adding that corruption is always deliberate. Dr Nicholas Funda from South African National Parks (SANParks) called for greater cooperation in infiltrating criminal syndicates, stressing the need for additional resources on the ground and more high-level convictions to dismantle cross-border criminal networks.
