ATM calls for treason charges against Home Affairs officials over fraud

South Africa’s Home Affairs Department is once again under scrutiny as the African Transformation Movement (ATM) calls for treason charges against over 20 officials implicated in issuing fraudulent travel documents. The call comes after a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe uncovered systemic corruption, including falsified visas and work permits, allowing unauthorised access and employment opportunities in the country.

Fraudulent documents exposed

Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber revealed that more than 2,000 visas are being revoked following discoveries of fraudulent issuance. Acting SIU head Leonard Lekgetho said the investigation exposed extensive exploitation of Home Affairs’ internal weaknesses, with clients ranging from religious figures to entertainers.

High-profile beneficiaries include self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri, business executive Kudakwashe Mpofu, and Nigerian rapper Prince Daniel Obioma. Mpofu, an undocumented Zimbabwean, allegedly purchased a fake permanent residence permit for R3,000, allowing him to earn R1.6 million annually and acquire luxury vehicles illegally. He was sentenced to three years in prison in November 2025.

Lekgetho detailed how officials and their clients exploited loopholes in Home Affairs, including falsified financial records, marriages of convenience, and fake retirement confirmations. “External actors exploited weaknesses within the department, facilitating fraud at multiple levels,” he said.

ATM demands urgent action

ATM leader Vuyo Zungula expressed alarm that some individuals involved may still occupy influential positions within government departments, state-owned enterprises, and other public institutions. He has formally requested President Cyril Ramaphosa to initiate treason or related criminal charges against officials found undermining the country’s sovereignty.

Zungula urged the release of the full SIU report and the immediate suspension of implicated officials pending verification of their legal status. “We call for the direct and urgent institution of criminal proceedings through the NPA, including consideration of treason where evidence demonstrates conduct that undermines the Republic,” he said.

Department of Home Affairs responds

Since April 2025, Schreiber confirmed that 20 officials have been dismissed and 16 suspended due to serious maladministration. “Disciplinary processes against all implicated individuals are ongoing,” he said, highlighting the department’s efforts to restore integrity and accountability.

The scandal has reignited public debate over corruption in state institutions, with social media users expressing outrage over how easily foreign nationals and high-profile figures allegedly manipulated government systems. Many are calling for tighter oversight and transparency to prevent further abuse of South Africa’s immigration and employment frameworks.

As investigations continue, the focus now shifts to whether the government will hold all implicated individuals accountable, particularly those who may still wield influence in key state roles.

{Source: IOL}

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