Investigating corruption: How Bushiri and Omotoso exploited South Africa's immigration system
Shepherd Bushiri and Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso are implicated in a shocking investigation by the SIU, revealing systemic corruption within South Africa's Department of Home Affairs
Image: IOL Archives/IOL Graphics
Charismatic preacher Shepherd Bushiri and Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso's names have emerged in a special investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into systemic corruption within the Department of Home Affairs.
The SIU said its investigation painted a disturbing picture of how officials allegedly enriched themselves by unlawfully issuing permits, using spouses as conduits to launder bribes.
"Syndicates operated with precision, exploiting weaknesses in verification and monitoring. At the same time, external factors such as Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, Mr Kudakwashe Mpofu, and Nigerian nationals linked to the McLaren case leveraged influence, fabricated documentation, and misused networks to secure fraudulent immigration status," the SIU said.
The SIU said Bushiri’s Permanent Residence Permit was approved by an adjudicator who was a member of his church, ECG Ministries, describing this as a clear conflict of interest.
IOL reported that Bushiri’s application was supported by what the SIU described as a fraudulent letter of financial independence signed by a chartered accountant who admitted he was paid merely for his signature.
The SIU said Bushiri held directorships in 14 companies and owned multiple properties in Pretoria.
According to SIU Acting Head, Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho, Omotoso’s modus operandi was fundamentally built on fraud and misrepresentation to gain entry into, and subsequent residence in, South Africa.
The outcome of the SIU's investigation
Image: X/SIU
He said Omotoso’s initial entry was secured through a fraudulently obtained work permit issued in a country where he was not a citizen, based on an unauthorised directive. He allegedly provided conflicting information about his travel history and residency and submitted affidavits claiming lost documentation to avoid producing verified credentials.
When his visa renewal was denied, he petitioned for a ministerial waiver.
“The investigation revealed that this waiver was unlawfully granted by an official without the necessary delegated authority,” Lekgetho said.
"The findings make one thing clear: South Africa’s immigration system was treated as a commodity. Permits and visas were sold, traded, and laundered. These findings show that corruption in the visa system is not incidental; it is organised, deliberate, and devastating to public trust. Integrity is betrayed," the SIU added in a post on social media.
A McLaren supercar crash over the weekend has ignited calls for greater law enforcement on our roads.
Image: X
The investigation further revealed how Nigerian rapper, Prince Daniel Obioma, who crashed a R3million McLaren 570S coupe in Sea Point last year, was able to enter and leave the country with no record of his re-entry.
DHA Minister, Leon Schreiber has noted the SIU's investigation findings.
"I welcome the SIU’s interim report on visa maladministration over a 20-year period between 2004 and 2024. Over the past 20 months, we’ve made major strides in holding corruption to account and driving digital transformation to close systemic loopholes," he said.
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