In the past three months, #TeamHomeAffairs has taken decisive action against corruption, disciplining 31 officials and facilitating the prosecution of two additional individuals, with further arrests anticipated as we collaborate with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to eliminate corrupt practices. Our commitment to empowering ethical officials remains steadfast, and we maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption.
“The message conveyed by this conviction is unequivocal: if you engage in corruption, we will identify you and pursue justice until you are held accountable. Under this new administration, we will not cease our efforts until we eradicate corruption within the Department of Home Affairs,” stated Schreiber.
He emphasized that this sentence should usher in a new culture of zero tolerance for corruption, noting the urgent need to combat corruption within the department, particularly given its central role in our national security framework.
Judy Zuma received a direct 12-year prison sentence, with an additional 24 years suspended. She was apprehended during a sting operation after attempting to bribe a Home Affairs Counter-Corruption Officer with R10,000. The court found that Zuma, convicted of multiple offenses, was part of a syndicate that facilitated the issuance of fraudulent passports to foreign nationals who did not meet the eligibility criteria. Between May 28 and June 12, 2021, she processed 192 passports, receiving R4,000 for each document. Zuma left the Department in December 2021 after undergoing an internal disciplinary process.
All passports involved in this scheme have been flagged, ensuring that any attempts to use these fraudulent documents at a port of entry will result in immediate arrest. To date, two foreign nationals have been incarcerated for their roles in this corrupt operation, with another two sentenced to four years of imprisonment yesterday.
To enhance the security of travel documents, the Department introduced a policy in 2022 requiring passports to be activated through fingerprint validation at the application office. This means passports can only be utilized once the owner has authenticated them with their fingerprints.
Zuma was allegedly recruited into this scheme by another former Home Affairs official, Zima Shange, who received a 10-year effective prison sentence in October 2023.
Minister Schreiber reiterated that the crackdown on both officials and foreign nationals involved in this fraudulent syndicate underscores his commitment to supporting the work of the Counter-Corruption Branch of the Department. He affirmed that successful convictions demonstrate that corruption can be defeated.
“I am appalled by the actions of Zuma and other members of such syndicates, who compromise the integrity of our documents, jeopardize our security, and undermine the efforts of dedicated Home Affairs officials. May she reflect on her actions every day she spends in prison. We, who are committed to transforming Home Affairs into a department that upholds dignity, will not be deterred by corrupt criminals. Instead, we will ensure they are incarcerated where they belong,” Minister Schreiber concluded.
Editor's Note:
We are pleased to see that efforts are underway to address the internal corruption within the Department of Home Affairs, a significant vulnerability in our national cybersecurity framework. Thank you for your dedication, Leon.
It is imperative that we take proactive measures to protect our identities by equipping ourselves with knowledge. With the rise in incidents of banking fraud and scams, it has never been more crucial for consumers to remain vigilant against potential threats to their financial security.
We encourage you to explore our informative Cybersecurity blog, the Cyber News section, and our resources to better equip yourself and your organization against cybercrime and identity theft.