Home Affairs says SIU has identified 15 pastors and prophets in probe of alleged fraudulent immigration benefits

Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber has told Parliament that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has identified 15 religious leaders described in the SIU report as pastors and prophets in an investigation into the alleged irregular, fraudulent and/or unlawful acquisition of immigration benefits.

What the department reported to Parliament

Schreiber said the SIU, acting in terms of Proclamation No. 154 of 2024, recorded the individuals under the category of religious leaders but did not separate them into different categories for reporting purposes.

The minister said the immigration benefits linked to the investigations included temporary residence visas, permanent residence permits and other related immigration benefits administered under the Immigration Act, 2002.

Progress of the investigations

According to Schreiber, the SIU’s work has produced the following outcomes so far:

• 10 investigations concluded
• 8 matters formally referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for consideration of prosecution
• 2 cases closed after investigative steps were completed and matters were satisfactorily resolved
• 5 investigations remain ongoing

Why names and specifics are withheld

Schreiber told Parliament the department could not disclose the identities of the people under investigation or the specific particulars of the benefits they allegedly received because some matters remain under investigation and others have been referred to the NPA.

“The specific particulars relating to each individual form part of ongoing investigations and, in certain instances, matters that have been referred to the NPA,”

“The disclosure of person-specific details at this stage may prejudice ongoing investigations and potential criminal proceedings. The Department will therefore provide such additional information to Parliament once the relevant investigative and prosecutorial processes permit disclosure,”

The minister’s statement to Parliament followed a question from African Transformation Movement Member of Parliament Thandiswa Marawu concerning the SIU’s findings about alleged assistance from officials within the department to certain religious leaders.

Terminology and reporting

Schreiber said the SIU had advised that the terms used in the investigated matters including “pastor” and “prophet” were used interchangeably and were not reported as separate categories.

Next steps

The department will provide additional information to Parliament when investigative and prosecutorial constraints allow.