Border Officers Busted in Bribe Scandal Over Easter Weekend

Two border officials stationed at Beitbridge Port of Entry were caught in the act during a daring Easter weekend sting, allegedly taking a bribe to allow a people smuggler to sneak undocumented migrants into South Africa inside a packed taxi.

The suspects, aged 61 and 44, were arrested after being caught on surveillance footage accepting cash to wave through a white Mercedes-Benz minibus. The vehicle was later stopped and found to be carrying 18 passengers, five of whom had no legal documentation.

According to Deputy Assistant Commissioner Mmemme Mogotsi, the arrests were part of an ongoing anti-corruption operation at the border. “We’re rebuilding trust, one arrest at a time,” she said. “This is only the beginning.”

The sting was set in motion when two senior officials from the Border Management Authority (BMA) noticed suspicious activity and immediately alerted the South African Police Service (SAPS), Limpopo’s Anti-Corruption Unit, and the Local Criminal Record Centre.

The smuggling vehicle had been idling near a shop when the illicit deal was made. Shortly after the cash changed hands, the minibus was allowed to proceed—but it didn’t get far before being intercepted. Inside, officers discovered five undocumented migrants.

The driver and a female passenger, believed to be part of the smuggling operation, were also taken into custody.

All nine suspects appeared in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on April 23, facing charges related to corruption and immigration violations. The case has been postponed to April 24.

The BMA confirmed that the two border officers have been suspended and are now facing both criminal charges and internal disciplinary proceedings.

Acting BMA Commissioner Jane Thupana commended the rapid response and emphasized the agency’s commitment to rooting out misconduct. “We’re putting an end to corruption at our borders,” she said. “Body cameras are being deployed, and every official will be held accountable.”

As part of the agency’s broader efforts, 40 body cams were introduced during the Easter period—technology that proved instrumental in exposing the bribery attempt.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber revealed that since July of last year, 27 officials have been dismissed for fraud and corruption at South Africa’s border posts.