The Special Investigating Unit has released an interim report revealing widespread corruption in South Africa's Department of Home Affairs, where officials allegedly sold visas and permits for personal gain. The probe identifies a syndicate involving low-paid officials who amassed over R16 million, facilitating fraudulent immigration for figures like Shepherd Bushiri and Timothy Omotoso. Minister Leon Schreiber announced plans to revoke over 2,000 fraudulent visas amid ongoing reforms.
On 23 February 2026, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) published an interim report on corruption within the Department of Home Affairs, authorized by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2024 and set to conclude by September. Acting SIU head Leonard Lekgetho detailed how four officials, earning less than R25,000 monthly, received R16,313,327 in direct deposits, acquiring assets disproportionate to their income. The report describes a 'nefarious syndicate' that turned the immigration system into a marketplace, processing visa applications via WhatsApp and channeling bribes through spouses' accounts, often masked as payments for 'Permit' or 'Visa Process'.
Financial audits highlighted stark disparities, including R8.9 million in deposits to a construction company linked to one official's husband between 2020 and 2023, with at least R185,000 tied to permanent residence permits. The probe uncovered fraudulent schemes benefiting controversial figures. Shepherd Bushiri's permanent residence permit was approved by an adjudicator from his ECG Ministries church, supported by a paid fraudulent financial letter and a $1.2 million aircraft purchase from his non-profit, raising money laundering concerns. Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso entered via a fraudulent work permit and secured an unlawful ministerial waiver after a visa denial. Nigerian rapper Prince Daniel Obioma, known as 3GAR, overstayed his 2023 visitor visa, re-entered illegally, and faces charges for a 2025 high-speed crash in Cape Town. Former North West Development Corporation CFO Kudakwashe Mpofu was also implicated in the fraudulent permit scheme.
Lekgetho stated: 'Officials entrusted with safeguarding the integrity of the Department of Home Affairs [turned] their position into a profit-making scheme.' The investigation, triggered by whistleblower information, exposed systemic weaknesses exploited for enrichment.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, briefing media in Pretoria, attributed the issues to up to 20 years of maladministration inherited by the current administration. He noted 55 dismissals since July 2024, including 20 since April 2025, 16 suspensions, 275 criminal referrals, and 111 closed investigations. Schreiber announced processes to revoke over 2,000 fraudulent visas and emphasized digital reforms, including the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which has declined 30,000 ineligible applications using machine learning and biometrics. 'Digital transformation is the apex priority,' he said, aiming to eliminate manipulation in visa processes.
