Former Home Affairs administrator allegedly funded Limpopo luxury mansion through fraudulent visa approval scheme

SIU probe finds former Home Affairs official approved 426 fake visas to fund a Limpopo mansion. Department to move all visa processing to digital ETA system.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 2, 2026, 9:25 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from MyBroadband

Discovery of Fraudulent Enrichment

A senior administrator formerly employed by the Department of Home Affairs is under investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for allegedly operating a "marketplace" for fraudulent visas. The probe found that the official, who earned a monthly government salary between R25,000 and R30,000, managed to accumulate significant wealth far exceeding her documented income. Central to the allegations is a luxury mansion built in the village of Setlaboswane in Ga-Masemola, Limpopo. Reports indicate that the official not only funded the construction of the home but also personally financed the tarring of the road leading to the property.

Scale of Visa Approval Misconduct

Between 2021 and 2023, the administrator was responsible for adjudicating permit applications, during which time she approved 426 visas. The SIU's forensic audit determined that at least R1.3 million in suspicious payments were linked to these approvals, representing a 67% fraudulent approval rate for the applications she handled. This evidence has formed the basis of a case for corrupt enrichment through the abuse of an official position. While the former employee has denied knowledge of the mansion or any wrongdoing, investigators maintain that the disparity in her assets is a compelling indicator of systemic corruption.

Widespread Corruption within Immigration

The investigation into Home Affairs has revealed a broader network of malfeasance involving multiple officials and external actors. The SIU found that department staff were frequently paid bribes ranging from R500 to R3,000 per application, often conducted via e-wallet transactions or cash hidden in physical files to avoid electronic surveillance. Some colleagues of the primary suspect are alleged to have laundered more than R10 million over a three-year period, using bogus construction companies as fronts for their illicit earnings. Acting SIU head Leonard Lekgetho characterized the immigration system as an "auction" where permits were sold to the highest bidder regardless of legal merit.