Maseru port of entry probe into unlawful visa stamping affects Lesotho crossings

A Border Management Authority (BMA) official stationed at the Maseru Port of Entry has been arrested after an intelligence-led operation allegedly found him with 22 stamped passports belonging to Lesotho nationals. The BMA said the documents were linked to a scheme to unlawfully extend visa validity and stays in South Africa without the passport holders being present.

Key facts

• Who: a 65-year-old BMA official based at the Maseru Port of Entry.
• When: arrested on Wednesday; the BMA announcement was made on 15 October 2026.
• What was found: 22 stamped Lesotho passports held without their lawful owners present, plus R2 100 in cash.
• Where next: the Ladybrand Magistrate's Court, on corruption, possession of passports without lawful authority and immigration-related charges.

What is alleged to have happened?

The State Security Agency (SSA) reported that a number of Lesotho nationals' passports were under monitoring. The BMA said intelligence indicated the passports had allegedly been moved from Limpopo to Ladybrand so they could be unlawfully stamped.

The stated purpose was to extend the passports' visa validity and their holders' stay in South Africa without the travellers being physically present — something the BMA says the law requires. The official was arrested on the spot.

Who carried out the operation?

The joint operation involved the BMA Integrity Management Unit, the Department of Home Affairs Counter Corruption Unit, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Crime Intelligence Free State. BMA Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Communications and Marketing Mmemme Mogotsi said the investigation continues and further arrests have not been ruled out.

The arrest came just over ten days after the fifth instalment of the Anti-Corruption Awareness Campaign, held under the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum at OR Tambo International Airport.

What else has the BMA said?

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the authority was set up to tackle illegal migration and corruption. According to the BMA, more than 60 labour relations and disciplinary cases involving internal control breaches, fraud, corruption and other misconduct are being finalised, and 17 officials were dismissed in the last three months, with more expected.

What this means for travellers

The BMA states that passport stamping must be done with the holder physically present. Travellers crossing between South Africa and Lesotho should expect their documents to be stamped in person at the port of entry, and should be wary of any arrangement in which passports are collected, moved or stamped away from the border.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Ladybrand Magistrate's Court. The BMA said its investigation is ongoing and that additional arrests have not been ruled out.