By Govan Whittles
SOUTH AFRICA – The Department of Home Affairs says it’s arrested 26 of its own officials for corruption and fraud since July this year.
Their crimes include the issuing of fake identity documents and attempts to solicit bribes from applicants at local offices.
The department says the arrests form part of its new campaign, Operation Bvisa Masina, which means to throw out the rot.
Minister Malusi Gigaba says his office has been inundated with allegations of corruption and fraud by his officials.
Gigaba says they hope to reach a stage when all applications are processed on time and through the correct channels.
He says this is to close gaps that allow corrupt officials to solicit bribes.
“The department is bolstering its capacity to be able to issue the permits on time so that people don’t feel that they need to bribe their way to receiving their permits back on time.
“I think the approach we took with regards to the Zimbabweans’ special permits has enabled us to learn an enormous lesson,” he said. Eye Witness News