Johannesburg – The Border Management Authority (BMA) has dismissed more than 50 immigration officials for corruption at major ports of entry, including Beitbridge Border Post, Lebombo Border Post, Oshoek Border Post, Maseru Bridge Border Post and O. R. Tambo International Airport.
BMA commissioner Michael Masiapato said 38 more officials are under investigation as authorities intensify efforts to tackle bribery and fraud in the immigration system, The Citizen reported.
More than 50 officials working at South Africa’s ports of entry have been dismissed. BMA Commissioner, Dr. Michael Masiapato says the officials were dismissed for facilitating the illegal movement of people into the country through corrupt means.
Watch: https://t.co/XvcXz6kPEO… pic.twitter.com/rcWbDuYjF2
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 10, 2026
The Special Investigating Unit recently revealed that some officials earning under R25,000 a month received over R16 million in suspicious deposits linked to bribery schemes involving fraudulent permits.
Acting SIU head Leonard Lekgetho said hundreds of cases have been referred for prosecution and disciplinary action.
In Case You Missed It : Absolutely shocking revelations about South African Home Affairs officials and the rot inside the department.😱 😱 😱
Four officials who earn less than 25,000 a month have received a total of R16.3 million in direct deposits.
R181 Million Rand… pic.twitter.com/4iHqaG1ZFp
— NOWinSA (@NowInSA) February 23, 2026
Government has backed the crackdown, saying corruption at borders undermines security and public trust.
However, Masiapato warned that the BMA faces severe capacity challenges, operating at only 25% staffing levels.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana have allocated more than R900 million to recruit over 700 new officials from April 2026.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
