Making money: Four Home Affairs officials earning under R25,000 received R16.3 million in direct deposits
The SIU says four Home Affairs officials earning less than R25,000 per month received more than R16.3 million in direct deposits linked to visa and permit approvals.
Image: File/ SAPS
The Special Investigating Unit says it has uncovered what it describes as a “nefarious syndicate” of officials inside the Department of Home Affairs who allegedly enriched themselves by unlawfully issuing visas and residence permits.
“The SIU can reveal that, so far, we have uncovered that four officials who earn less than R25 000 per month have received a total of R16,313,327.00 in direct deposits,” acting SIU head Leonard Lekgetho said.
The investigation, authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa under Proclamation 154 of 2024, found that officials responsible for lawful processing and adjudication of visa applications instead engaged in “systemic corruption and illicit enrichment, in violation of their official duties.”
According to the SIU, the group’s modus operandi was straightforward.
“Their modus operandi was simple: applications were sent via WhatsApp for expedited approval, and once approved, money flowed almost immediately.”
The SIU said payments were deliberately disguised.
“Payments were not made directly to officials but funnelled through accounts held by their spouses, deliberately disguising the bribes.”
Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho was appointed as the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) new acting head.
Image: Supplied
Transaction references such as “Permit,” “Visa Process,” and even “Building Material” were allegedly used to mask the true nature of payments. Secondary accounts belonging to spouses received unexplained cash deposits amounting to hundreds of thousands of rand.
The SIU provided examples showing a direct link between approvals and payments.
“In one case, a permit was approved on 20 December, and by 21 December, R3,000 had been deposited into the spouse’s account. Another transaction saw R6,000 transferred days after two permits were approved. These transactions reveal a direct link between approvals and payments, leaving no doubt that permits were being sold.”
The enrichment extended beyond small deposits.
Analysis of a construction company registered in the name of one official’s husband revealed deposits totalling R8.9 million between 2020 and 2023. These deposits were inconsistent with legitimate construction activity and included payments explicitly referencing “PRP” (Permanent Residence Permit). At least R185,000 was directly linked to PRP applications.
The SIU said certain officials acquired assets “grossly disproportionate to their legal income,” including cash purchases of multiple properties and high-value residential developments.
“The scale of enrichment was staggering,” Lekgetho said, adding that one official “built a mansion and a paved road leading to her home on a monthly salary of R25,000.”
The unit described the broader picture as systemic.
“The findings make one thing clear: South Africa’s immigration system was treated as a commodity. Permits and visas were sold, traded, and laundered. These findings show that corruption in the visa system is not incidental; it is organised, deliberate, and devastating to public trust. Integrity is betrayed.”
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