The Department of Home Affairs has dismissed 18 officials for offenses ranging from fraud and corruption to sexual harassment. The terminations, effective immediately, follow the completion of all required human resource and appeals processes. Additionally, four officials received final written warnings, with two of them facing salary suspensions of one and three months, respectively. Two more were issued written warnings.
The dismissals are part of a crackdown on malpractice within the department. Offenses leading to the dismissals included irregular issuance of identity documents (4), marriage registrations (6), passport processing (1), birth certificates (3), visa approvals (1), asylum seeker permit extensions (1), file deactivation (1), and one case of sexual harassment.
The actions come amid intensified collaboration between the Department of Home Affairs, the Special Investigating Unit, and the Hawks. Cases with prosecutable evidence are being prepared for criminal charges, and efforts are underway to recover funds obtained unlawfully.
Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber described the dismissals as a decisive move to root out corruption. “These actions make it clear that fraud and corruption within Home Affairs will no longer be tolerated,” he said. “Dismissals and prosecutions will continue until we eliminate crime from the system.”
Minister Schreiber acknowledged the role of law enforcement agencies and department officials in implementing a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct. He added, “Those who defraud the country are learning that there is no hiding place from a rejuvenated Home Affairs committed to upholding the rule of law.”
Home Affairs dismissed 18 officials, effective immediately, for a range of offences #TeamHomeAffairs #DHAServiceDelivery pic.twitter.com/Ctu6vcPotS
— HomeAffairsSA 🇿🇦 (@HomeAffairsSA) November 20, 2024
