Eight home affairs officials convicted for fraud, corruption

Eight Free State government officials have been convicted of fraud and corruption.

Their conviction originates from the information received by the police during November 2012 about fraudulent activities conducted by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Immigration Officials from the Department of Home Affairs and a member of Port Health that were stationed at Caledonspoort Port of Entry in the district of Fouriesburg, Free State Province.

It further alleged that the suspects were demanding gratification from Lesotho nationals who don’t have legal documents to be in South Africa.

The accused includes of David Malefetsane Mofokeng (54), Kagisho Kgomotso Sempe (36), Joseph Nthoroane Masilo (54), Kekebogile Mokhuoa (37), Ntando David Radebe (39), Jabulani Edward Simela (38), Mojalefa France Ranthama (38), Kgotso Richard Dlamini (53).

They all appeared before the Bethlehem Commercial Crime Court on Friday, 12 November 2021 where they were convicted.

According to Hawks spokesperson Christopher Singo, an investigation was conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team based in Bloemfontein culminated to the arrest of the suspects on Tuesday, 07 May 2013.

According to Singo, the suspects’ conviction resulted in hefty fines ranging from R30 000 to R55 000 or five years imprisonment.