The Border Management Authority (BMA) has dismissed more than 50 immigration officials for corrupt activities at ports of entry across South Africa, with a further 38 officers currently under investigation.
BMA Commissioner Micheal Masiapato announced the dismissals on Tuesday whilst speaking on the sidelines of an Anti-Corruption Forum in Ladybrand. The affected ports include Beitbridge, Lebombo, Oshoek and Maseru Bridge border posts, as well as OR Tambo International Airport.
The announcement came as the BMA and the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum conducted an anti-corruption campaign at the Maseru Bridge port of entry, where leaders publicly signed a pledge against corruption.
Masiapato said the authority faces severe capacity challenges, currently operating at 25% of required staffing levels. “We are supposed to be at 11 200 and we are currently operating at 2 600. We have a 75% vacancy rate which is interpreted at 8 000 posts that are supposed to be filled within the Border Management Authority,” he said.
The commissioner welcomed government intervention, with President Cyril Ramaphosa and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana allocating more than R900 million to the BMA to recruit over 700 individuals from 1 April 2026.
Speaking about the initiative, Masiapato said it aimed to ensure every official understands what constitutes corruption. “It is not just about large sums of money. As outlined in our Code of Conduct, it includes receiving any gratification, favouring relatives and friends, or abusing your position for personal gain.”
He warned that corrupt officials would face the full force of the law. “There is no place for corrupt officials in the BMA. We are working with the Hawks and the Special Investigating Unit to ensure that those who tarnish our badge face the full might of the law.”
Special Investigating Unit Acting Head and Chairperson of the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum Leonard Lekgetho revealed disturbing findings from recent investigations. “Officials earning less than R25 000 per month received deposits amounting to over R16 million, funnelling bribes through spouses’ accounts to disguise their illicit gains.”
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Lekgetho said some officials built mansions, purchased luxury vehicles and enriched themselves by unlawfully approving fraudulent permits. “Syndicates operated with precision, exploiting weaknesses in verification processes,” he said.
The SIU, under Proclamation 154 of 2024, has referred hundreds of matters for criminal prosecution, disciplinary action and administrative review.
The Border and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum was established in 2025. The SIU has developed the National Corruption Risk Management and Prevention Framework, introducing proactive measures such as lifestyle audits, employee vetting, data analytics and artificial intelligence to detect irregularities.
Free State Hawks Major General Mogadi Bokaba said tackling corruption requires collaboration with stakeholders. “Corruption is intentional, people know what they are doing. There is no joy reading our colleagues their rights,” he said.
Dr Nicholas Funda from the South African National Parks said they were infiltrating criminal syndicates but needed more capacity. “We need to work together to infiltrate the criminal networks. Criminals don’t have boundaries, more boots are needed on the ground and more high-level convictions.”
