Home Affairs fires five more officials over corruption

The Department of Home Affairs has fired five employees over charges of corruption and sexual assault.

“On Monday, 28 July 2025, the Department of Home Affairs dismissed a further five officials, with immediate effect, for offences ranging from fraud to sexual assault. The total number of officials dismissed between July 2024 and July 2025 now stands at 38,” the Ministry of Home Affairs said.

Criminal syndicates

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry confirmed that eight officials have been convicted and handed prison sentences ranging from four to 18 years, while criminal proceedings are ongoing against another 19.

“These dismissals follow on the crackdown on a passport syndicate in Durban just last month, where two officials and three members of the public were arrested. These results demonstrate the growing success of Home Affairs in dealing with criminal syndicates both inside and outside the department,” said the Ministry.

Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said the days of defrauding the department are over.

“In just 12 months, we have already rid Home Affairs of 38 crooked and delinquent officials. I repeat my warning to anyone involved in corruption: the days of defrauding this department or committing acts of sexual harassment or abuse while relying on long drawn-out disciplinary processes, are over.”

The Minister thanked the department’s diligent officials, including those involved in accelerating disciplinary processes, who are playing a critical role “in our work to clean up Home Affairs”.

“Committed officials like these are the future of Home Affairs, as we continue to work together as #TeamHomeAffairs to clean out the corrupt elements that represent the past,” said the Minister.