Shepherd Bushiri (top) and Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso (bottom right) are implicated in a shocking investigation by the SIU, revealing systemic corruption within South Africa's Department of Home Affairs headed by Minister Leon Schreiber. Should this lead to increased regulation of churches? The writer explores the implications of government failures on religious freedom.
Image: IOL Archives/IOL Graphics
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says an interim investigation into the Department of Home Affairs has uncovered a “well-orchestrated syndicate” involving officials and foreign pastors, including Shepherd Bushiri and Timothy Omotoso.
The probe alleges the syndicate is linked to the unlawful issuing of visas and permits to work in South Africa.
SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho said the probe followed alerts from the Department of Home Affairs’ Anti-Corruption Unit in 2023 regarding alleged abuse of the immigration system, which led to the issuing of a proclamation in 2024 authorising a formal investigation.
Makgotho said the findings pointed to serious systemic abuse.
“What we found was actually very damning, egregious, and highly debilitated abuse of the system,” he said in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.
He added that there had been “flagrant abuse of the system, violation of policies, disregard of regulatory and statutory provisions relating to the application for visas and permits.”
He said the investigation established that the allegations had substance.
“What we found is that these allegations had substance.
''We asked for a proclamation which was granted to the Special Investigating Unit in 2024. And having gone through the investigations, we found that there was substance to these allegations,” Makgotho said.
The SIU said the syndicate operated across multiple regions, including the department’s head office in Pretoria, and involved applications processed without required supporting documentation.
Makgotho said some applications were even submitted through informal channels.
“We found that the process was so infiltrated that an application could even be made on WhatsApp. A person would be seated where he is and then make an application, forward that application on WhatsApp, and it gets approved. That is how grave the problem was,” he said.
He said the SIU had recommended consequence management against about 111 officials, with disciplinary proceedings expected, while other cases had been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority and the Asset Forfeiture Unit.
Makgotho confirmed that investigations into officials and entities were ongoing, with a deadline set for 30 September to finalise the process.
The report also examined allegations involving foreign pastors accused of using fraudulent processes to obtain residency and work permits, with Makgotho saying the report detailed how individuals entered the country and allegedly exploited administrative weaknesses.
Responding to concerns about alleged financial gains linked to religious organisations, Makgotho referenced findings aligned with broader investigations into undeclared benefits and asset accumulation.
He said the SIU welcomed parallel scrutiny from the South African Revenue Service, adding that it “gives comfort because our mandate is money recoveries,” and noting concerns around unexplained wealth and undeclared benefits linked to some organisations.
Makgotho said the SIU would continue pursuing recovery proceedings where applicable.
IOL News