The Border Management Authority (BMA) has arrested a 56-year-old official at the Maseru Port of Entry for allegedly running an illegal passport stamping operation.

The official, stationed at the border with Lesotho, was found with 22 stamped passports belonging to Lesotho nationals who were not present at the time, along with R2 100 in cash.

Dr Michael Masiapato, the BMA Commissioner, confirmed the arrest followed a joint operation by the BMA Integrity Management Unit, the Department of Home Affairs Counter Corruption Unit, South African Police Service Ladybrand Detectives and K9 Unit, and Crime Intelligence Free State.

Intelligence-driven operation

The State Security Agency tipped off authorities about several passports belonging to Lesotho nationals that had been placed under monitoring.

Intelligence reports showed the passports had been transported from Limpopo to Ladybrand to be stamped unlawfully, extending the holders’ visa validity and stay in South Africa without them being physically present as required by law.

The arrest happened just over 10 days after the BMA hosted the fifth instalment of its Anti-Corruption Awareness Campaign at OR Tambo International Airport.

The suspect will appear before the Ladybrand Magistrate’s Court on charges of corruption, possession of passports without lawful authority and immigration offences.

Police have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation continues.

Crackdown on corruption

Since the BMA was established three years ago, several officials have been arrested under Masiapato’s leadership.

“The BMA was established to address longstanding challenges related to illegal migration and corruption within the border management ecosystem. South Africa is beginning to see the tangible benefits of the BMA leadership’s firm and uncompromising stance against corruption,” Masiapato said.

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The BMA is currently finalising more than 60 labour relations and disciplinary cases involving breaches of internal controls, fraud, corruption and other misconduct affecting organisational integrity.

In the past three months, 17 officials have been dismissed from the BMA, and more dismissals are expected.

Masiapato, who brings extensive intelligence experience to his leadership role, has made it clear that the Border Management Authority remains committed to combating corruption and safeguarding the integrity of South Africa’s ports of entry.

The Authority will continue to work closely with law enforcement and security agencies to detect and investigate unlawful conduct and ensure that officials involved are prosecuted.

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