Pretoria – Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says 212 cases of serious misconduct involving departmental officials have been referred to law enforcement for possible criminal investigation and prosecution since April 2023.
According to IOL, in a written parliamentary reply to MK Party MP Thalente Kubheka, Schreiber said the department is working closely with law enforcement to ensure accountability.
He also revealed that a multi-disciplinary anti-corruption approach introduced in 2023/24 led to major arrests linked to passport fraud, including a kingpin and 26 others, with investigations expanding across provinces.
#GovZAUpdates | Minister Leon Schreiber confirms the immediate dismissal of 7 officials following the conclusion of disciplinary processes into various cases of misconduct.
A further 16 officials have been suspended as part of ongoing disciplinary action, including in response… pic.twitter.com/X0EJtrboqA
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) April 28, 2026
“So far 27 officials were dismissed of which 8 officials have been convicted and sentenced to a total of 97 years imprisonment,” the report quoted the minister as saying.
He added that a total of 114 officials were dismissed over three financial years, while other convictions include cases involving the sale of birth certificates, fraudulent death notices, and attempted bribery of investigators.
Last week, the minister said the department was intensifying its efforts to enforce accountability and clean up operations.
“These efforts are yielding measurable progress in restoring integrity to Home Affairs operations,” Schreiber said.
He added: “The decisive pace at which the department now processes disciplinary matters, resulting in ongoing dismissals and other disciplinary action, demonstrates our unwavering commitment to cleaning up the damage done to Home Affairs over many years.”
Minister Leon Schreiber has confirmed that the Department of Home Affairs has intensified its crackdown on misconduct, dismissing a further seven officials with immediate effect after the conclusion of disciplinary processes.
In addition, 16 officials have been suspended as…
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) April 24, 2026
Schreiber further emphasised that the department’s approach goes beyond rhetoric.
“Our zero-tolerance approach does not rely on words – it is demonstrated by ongoing concrete action to rebuild the rule of law in a department that is fundamental to the functioning of our society,” he said.
He said the department would continue to support ethical staff while acting firmly against wrongdoing.
“We will continue to empower and reward the many officials in Home Affairs who are working diligently to implement our digital transformation agenda to deliver dignity for all, while dealing decisively and immediately with anyone found guilty of corruption, fraud or misconduct,” Schreiber said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
