CAPE TOWN – The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has removed a private security guard following a distressing incident involving a client at the Tyger Valley Centre branch in Cape Town that was captured on video and circulated on social media.
A statement was released on Friday afternoon after a disturbing video was posted online of a woman who was allegedly manhandled by a security officer at the Home Affairs Tyger Valley brand on Thursday 22 January. In the video you can see a woman being pushed out the door, before it closes with her foot still stuck inside. According to an online post, the woman, along with others, had made appointments online, but when she showed up at the branch she was told her name was not on the list, as those of the others also weren’t. This is when things got physical and the woman was pushed outside.
Many people upset about the footage.
The department acknowledged the images in the video were upsetting and expressed sincere regret for the trauma caused to the woman and members of the public who witnessed the incident or saw the footage.
“No-one should experience or witness such treatment when seeking government services.”
Illegal appointment scam uncovered
According to departmental records the individual in the video did not have a valid appointment on the official DHA booking system. The department believed she was misled into purchasing an appointment slot from a third party.
“This practice is illegal and exploitative,” the department stated, adding that its Counter-Corruption Unit is actively investigating those responsible for the scam.
The department emphasised all DHA booking appointments are free and issued on a first-come, first-served basis through official channels only.
Home Affairs warned people about scammers who claim to make bookings. “Take note of scammers trying to get your money,” it said in a previous post. “Home Affairs bookings are free, so don’t fall for these scams!”
Review underway to prevent future incidents
The Department of Home Affairs was reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure similar occurrences are prevented in future.
Officials have urged the public not to pay anyone for booking slots and to report such scams to the department.
“DHA remains committed to improving access to services and ensuring that every person is treated with dignity and respect,” the statement concluded.
The department reiterated that DHA branch appointments can be made only through the official booking system: https://services.dha.gov.za/#/authenticate/identity.
