Digital warrior

BMA OFFICIAL ARRESTED WITH 22 LESOTHO PASSPORTS IN CORRUPTION PROBE @TheBMA_SA The Border Management Authority (BMA) has arrested a 56-year-old official stationed at the Maseru Port of Entry with Lesotho following an intelligence-driven operation targeting alleged corruption and immigration-related offences. The operation involved the BMA Integrity Management Unit, the Department of Home Affairs Counter Corruption Unit, SAPS Ladybrand Detectives and K9 Unit, and Crime Intelligence in the Free State. The investigation was launched after information was received from the State Security Agency regarding several Lesotho nationals’ passports that had been placed under monitoring. Intelligence indicated that the passports had allegedly been transported from Limpopo to Ladybrand to be unlawfully stamped to extend their holders’ visas and periods of stay in South Africa, without the passport holders being physically present as required by law. During the operation, the BMA official was allegedly found in possession of 22 stamped passports belonging to Lesotho nationals, as well as R2,100 in cash. The official was arrested at the scene and is expected to appear in the Ladybrand Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to corruption, unlawful possession of passports and immigration offences. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out further arrests. BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato says the authority remains committed to tackling corruption and protecting the integrity of South Africa’s ports of entry. The arrest comes shortly after the fifth instalment of the Anti-Corruption Awareness Campaign, held at OR Tambo International Airport under the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum. The BMA says it is also finalising more than 60 labour relations and disciplinary cases involving alleged internal control breaches, fraud, corruption and other misconduct. According to Masiapato, 17 officials were dismissed in the past three months, with further dismissals expected. The commissioner says the authority will continue working with law enforcement and security agencies to identify, investigate and prosecute officials allegedly involved in unlawful activities. The BMA has urged members of the public to report suspected illegal activities at the country’s borders through its reporting channels.