Cape Town – Four former officials from the Department of Home Affairs have been arrested by the Hawks following allegations of fraud and corruption on Wednesday.
The Tzaneen officials, aged between 35 and 43, allegedly colluded with “runners” to recruit South African citizens to apply for passports, the Hawks said in a statement.
The suspects, who were employed as Administration Clerks, were arrested in the Tzaneen area during a sting operation between the Hawks and Home Affairs Counter Corruption and Security members.
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“It is alleged that during the application process, the passports would contain the particulars of South African citizens, but the photos would be of illegal foreign nationals,” said Hawks spokesperson, Captain Matimba Maluleke.
Maluleke said the Home Affairs Counter Corruption and Security unit discovered these “illegal activities” in May this year and referred the matter to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation.
“During the investigations, it was revealed that the citizens whose particulars were used would be paid R1 000,” he said.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
A search for other suspects is ongoing
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
