South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit has detailed an alleged bribery network within the Department of Home Affairs, describing how elements of the country’s immigration system were manipulated for financial gain.
The probe, initiated in May2024 following information provided by a whistleblower, has linked several department officials to irregular processing of visas and residency permits. Acting SIU head Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho said investigators have traced approximately R16.3 million in suspected bribe payments connected to the scheme.
According to the SIU, permits and documentation were allegedly processed outside lawful procedures in exchange for payments. The unit described the system as having been turned into a “marketplace”, where official authority was allegedly exploited for private enrichment.
high-profile names and financial trails
Among those implicated are foreign nationals including self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri, televangelist Timothy Omotoso, and Nigerian musician Prince Daniel Obioma, known professionally as 3GAR. Investigators allege that some applicants worked in coordination with department insiders to secure permanent residency through manipulation of internal administrative systems.
Digital forensic analysis reportedly uncovered communication between officials and certain suspects. Payments were allegedly made through e-wallet transfers, often in amounts ranging from R500 to R3 000, a method investigators believe was intended to avoid drawing attention from financial monitoring systems.
Authorities further suspect that some funds were redirected through bank accounts registered in the names of spouses in an effort to obscure the source of payments. Unregistered mobile numbers and secondary devices were also allegedly used to conceal communications.
The SIU has indicated that the alleged misconduct may have affected aspects of border control administration, raising broader concerns about institutional safeguards. South Africa has previously faced scrutiny over weaknesses in immigration controls, particularly during periods of heightened migration pressure over the past decade.
In addition to examining documentation processes, investigators are reviewing asset holdings linked to individuals associated with the case. Lekgetho stated that evidence suggests certain parties accumulated properties and infrastructure investments significantly beyond what their declared incomes would reasonably support.
The SIU’s findings come amid ongoing efforts by authorities to strengthen anti-corruption enforcement across state departments. Over the past several years, multiple commissions and investigative bodies have highlighted systemic vulnerabilities within public institutions, prompting renewed emphasis on accountability mechanisms.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no court findings have yet been made regarding the allegations. Further updates are expected as forensic and financial analyses continue.
