BMA fires over 50 border officials linked to corruption schemes
· The South African
Authorities have dismissed more than 50 officials working at South Africa’s ports of entry after investigations linked them to corruption schemes that allowed undocumented travellers to enter the country illegally.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) confirmed the dismissals as part of an intensified anti-corruption drive aimed at restoring integrity at the country’s borders.
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Officials accused of fraudulent passport stamping
BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato said investigators uncovered several corrupt activities, including fraudulent passport stamping and the illegal extension of travellers’ stays in South Africa.
Masiapato revealed that some officials engaged in a practice known as “selling days.”
In this scheme, officials illegally granted extra time to travellers whose legal stay in the country had already expired.
Anti-corruption forum helps expose schemes
The crackdown followed the creation of the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum, a multi-agency structure led by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
Authorities said tip-offs submitted through the Operation Itebise hotline helped expose several of the corruption schemes.
Criminal cases against border officials
While authorities have already dismissed more than 50 officials, prosecutors have also taken several suspects to court near major ports of entry, including Musina (Beitbridge), Ladybrand (Maseru Bridge), and Komatipoort (Lebombo).
The BMA also confirmed that 38 additional officials are currently facing disciplinary proceedings that could result in further dismissals.
Government plans to strengthen border management and monitor officials
To strengthen oversight, authorities have introduced body cameras for frontline border officials. Officials say the cameras are already acting as a strong deterrent against corruption.
However, the BMA currently operates at only about 25% of its full capacity.
The government has allocated more than R900 million over the next three years to recruit around 700 additional staff members to strengthen border management operations.
Authorities say the crackdown forms part of broader efforts to tighten border security, combat illegal migration, and restore integrity within South Africa’s immigration system.