Senior immigration officer granted R5,000 bail after alleged Mpumalanga bribe

Arrest and allegations

Veli Malambe, 50, appeared in the White River Magistrate’s Court on 11 May 2026 after his arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit in Nelspruit earlier that day. The arrest followed allegations that he solicited a bribe from a foreign national who had been arrested for allegedly working as a street vendor without a valid work permit.

“It is alleged that Malambe confiscated the travelling document of the 33-year-old female victim, as well as the identity document of her 42-year-old South African employer,”

According to the Hawks, the official then allegedly demanded payment before returning the documents.

“The accused allegedly demanded payment of R2 500 before the documents could be returned to their lawful owners.”

Investigation and sting operation

The Hawks said the matter was reported to their Serious Corruption Investigation unit, which launched an investigation. During the probe, the alleged gratification amount was reduced.

“During the investigation, the alleged gratification amount was reduced from R2 500 to R1 500. The Hawks provided operational money, which was then handed over to the accused as part of the operation.

After the payment was made, Hawks members apprehended Malambe and found him in possession of the state money. The Hawks also recovered the confiscated documents from him.

Bail and next court appearance

Malambe was granted R5,000 bail when he appeared in the White River Magistrate’s Court on 11 May 2026. He is due to return to the same court on 26 June 2026.

Warning from Hawks leadership

The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, issued a warning to officials in positions of authority against abusing their powers for personal enrichment.