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The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, welcomes the arrest of two former Department of Home Affairs officials and four members of the public in connection with alleged fraud and corruption relating to the irregular issuance of a late registration of birth at the Malamulele Home Affairs office. 

This brings the total number of Department of Home Affairs officials arrested since the start of the seventh administration to 36, alongside nine successful convictions, 65 dismissals and 195 criminal cases opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS). 

The arrests were carried out over the weekend by the Hawks' Anti-Corruption Unit in Thohoyandou following an investigation by the Department's Counter Corruption unit. 

The accused appeared in the Malamulele Magistrate's Court on Monday on charges of fraud and corruption. They remain in custody, with a formal bail application scheduled for 4 August 2026. 

The Minister said: "We are systematically rooting out corruption wherever it exists in Home Affairs. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will relentlessly pursue anyone who seeks to undermine the integrity of our systems and ensure they face the full consequences of the law. Every arrest strengthens the integrity of South Africa's identity system and advances our mission to build a modern, ethical and professional Home Affairs." 

The Minister thanked the Hawks and the Department's Counter Corruption unit for their continued partnership in investigating and combating corruption. 

The Department of Home Affairs remains unwavering in its commitment to rooting out corruption, protecting the integrity of South Africa's identity system and holding accountable anyone who seeks to undermine it. 

Issued by the Department of Home Affairs