Kgomotso Modise17 May 2024 | 14:19

Bushiri's fraudulent permit prompted SIU probe into Home Affairs Dept - Motsoaledi

The SIU raided five refugee centres across the country on Friday as part of the investigation into alleged corruption by home affairs officials.

Bushiri's fraudulent permit prompted SIU probe into Home Affairs Dept - Motsoaledi

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi addressed a media briefing on immigration matters in Pretoria on Sunday, 17 March 2024. Picture: GCIS

JOHANNESBURG - Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU)'s probe into the department was prompted by the discovery of controversial pastor Shepherd Bushiri's fraudulent permit.

The SIU raided five refugee centres across the country on Friday as part of the investigation into alleged corruption by home affairs officials.

One hundred and twenty officials are being investigated for dodgy dealings in the awarding of refugee status.

This includes documents awarded to asylum seekers dating back to 2004.

Motsoaledi said that the investigation was triggered by a tip-off from a whistleblower.

"I then put up the Lubisi Report. From the results of that report, I realised that we must call SIU because there are many things that needed their skill. The corruption is done by officials here with foreign nationals who don’t deserve to be in South Africa but who have got lots of money to bribe."