S. Africa cracks down on corrupt immigration officials

An operation targeting corrupt immigration officials has led to the arrests of more than 100 people, South Africa's Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba said on Thursday.

In July 2015, South Africa launched Operation Bvisa Masina to intensify the fight against fraud and corruption at the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

In a swoop on Thursday, 20 DHA officials and six civilians were arrested in Bloemfontein, Free State Province, according to the minister.

The 26 people were apprehended during the operation, on charges relating to fraud and corruption, said the minister.

Corruption has a detrimental effect on the government's effort to deliver effective services to the people, Gigaba said.

"Today's arrests demonstrate in concrete terms the government's zero-tolerance for crime as well as South Africa's fight against corruption in both the private and public sector," he said.

Prior to Thursday's arrests, 83 people were arrested, of which, 42 were officials of the DHA.

Their arrests were for false documentation, bribery, aiding and abetting, impersonation, revenue theft and fraudulent violations relating to births, marriages and deaths, according to Gigaba.

The implicated DHA officials are usually suspended and subjected to disciplinary action. Endit