In a significant step to combat corruption at South Africa’s ports of entry, leaders of the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum (BMIACF), chaired by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), publicly signed a pledge against corruption at the border town of Ladybrand, near the Maseru Bridge port of entry.
The event, held at the busy land port connecting South Africa and Lesotho, aimed to familiarize participants with operations at the facility and reinforce a commitment to ethical conduct. Senior representatives called on all officials to abstain from corrupt activities, emphasizing that corruption undermines border security, national integrity, and public trust.
The porous nature of the border has raised serious concerns in bordering towns, with reports highlighting criminal activities linked to corrupt facilitation of illegal entries. One speaker pointed to an area described as a slaughterhouse for crimes — questioning how perpetrators manage to cross into South Africa undetected.
Investigations have exposed how some officials become entangled in criminal networks, often unable to explain lavish lifestyles or legitimate sources of income. Examples included an official earning a monthly salary of 25,000 rand who received a deposit of 16 million rand, with bribes funneled through spouses to disguise illicit gains. Corrupt practices have enabled the construction of mansions, purchase of luxury vehicles, and unlawful approval of fraudulent permits.
Specific cases mentioned included fraudulent permits linked to high-profile figures such as Prophet Bushiri and Mr. Mpofu. In one instance, a foreigner allegedly secured permits through corruption and rose to the position of Chief Financial Officer in a government institution.
Several operations have targeted syndicates at the border. In the Caledonspoort project, 31 dockets were opened, implicating 13 South African Police Service (SAPS) members and seven immigration officers. Of the 13 SAPS members, 12 were found guilty in court, and all 13 were dismissed internally. Another operation resulted in 26 dockets, involving 15 SAPS members, eight immigration officers, and community runners. All 15 SAPS members were internally dismissed.
The Border Management Authority has dismissed nearly 50 port officers for corruption or related issues, with others awaiting disciplinary outcomes. A further number of officials remain under investigation.
In a rare and impactful moment during the forum, the gathering heard directly from convicted offenders sharing their experiences from behind prison walls. One individual described killing his girlfriend’s mother but expressed regret and a desire to change. He spoke of turning to reading books, participating in competitions at George and Kroonstad, and the heavy burden of incarceration. He conveyed deep longing for his family, missing them dearly and wishing to hear their voices as a source of motivation.
The event underscored ongoing efforts by authorities, including collaboration with the Hawks and SIU, to root out corruption through dismissals, prosecutions, and awareness campaigns. The public pledge and firsthand accounts from offenders served as a stark reminder of the personal and societal costs of corruption at the border.