Vuyo Zungula of the African Transformation Movement has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to initiate treason charges against Home Affairs officials implicated in the issuing of fraudulent documents to illegal immigrants.
Image: Supplied
Vuyo Zungula, the leader of the African Transformation Movement (ATM) in the National Assembly, has formally requested President Cyril Ramaphosa to initiate treason charges against over 20 officials implicated in the issuance of fraudulently obtained travel documents.
This revelation comes amid growing concerns about systemic corruption that has facilitated unauthorised entries into the country.
The controversy escalated following alarming revelations from Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber. At a recent briefing, Schreiber disclosed that the department is revoking more than 2,000 visas found to have been issued fraudulently.
This week, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe focusing on recurring Home Affairs document fraud, uncovered corruption and fraud involving visas and work permits by facilitation networks that have long enabled unauthorised entry into the country, as well as work opportunities for undesired illegal immigrants.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says 20 officials have already been dismissed since April last year following disciplinary processes linked to visa corruption at the department.
Image: SIU
The acting head of the unit, Leonard Lekgetho, revealed during the Monday briefing that among those who benefited from the scheme are religious and sports figures, including self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri, Kudakwashe Mpofu, and Nigerian rapper 3GAR, real name Prince Daniel Obioma, among others.
The rapper is reported to have allegedly re-entered South Africa before he was involved in the high-profile McLaren crash in Cape Town.
According to the SIU, Mpofu, an undocumented Zimbabwean, bought a fake SA permanent residence permit for R3,000.
As a CFO in the North West, Mpofu earned an annual salary of R1.6 million through illegally obtained visas, a driver’s licence, and financing of a Land Rover, a BMW, and a Ford Ranger.
In November 2025, Mpofu received a three-year prison sentence for using a fake permanent resident permit to secure a senior position.
Lekgetho revealed that these officials and their clients exploited weaknesses within the Home Affairs Department.
" Through fraudulent documentation and fake retirement confirmation, falsified financial means, marriage of convenience, and syndicate back sponsorship, faking financial stability - the first one is Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, where we all know about his dealings. And in our investigation, we delved into his dealings. It illustrates how external actors exploited the same weaknesses that we have identified within the department."
Zungula expressed deep concern regarding the involvement of individuals no longer residing in the country, as some continue to benefit from job opportunities and positions of leadership obtained through fraudulent means.
"It is particularly concerning that the SIU briefing appears to be referencing individuals who are either no longer within the Republic or who were already under investigation. While accountability in those cases is necessary, the briefing does not adequately address whether individuals who may have fraudulently obtained documentation, residency, citizenship, or appointments are currently occupying senior positions within government departments, state-owned enterprises, or other public institutions."
As a result, Zungula has called for the release of the full details of the SIU investigation and ensure immediate suspension of any implicated officials and persons, pending the verification of their legal statuses in the country.
"We call for the direct and urgent institution of criminal proceedings through the National Prosecuting Authority, including consideration of treason or related charges where evidence demonstrates conduct that undermines the sovereignty of the Republic," Zungula stated.
According to Schreiber, since April 2025, at least 20 officials have been dismissed and 16 others suspended following allegations of serious maladministration within the Home Affairs Department.
"I can today announce that disciplinary processes against all implicated individuals are ongoing. A total of 20 officials have already been dismissed since April last year,” the minister said.
siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za