Travellers to Lesotho face closer scrutiny at Maseru after illegal stamp scheme

South Africa's Border Management Authority (BMA) has arrested a 56-year-old official at the Maseru Port of Entry for allegedly running an illegal passport stamping operation. The official was found with 22 stamped passports belonging to Lesotho nationals who were not present at the border, together with R2 100 in cash.

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato confirmed the arrest followed a joint operation involving several South African law enforcement units. The case is the latest in a series of corruption actions at the country's ports of entry.

Key facts

• Where: Maseru Port of Entry, on South Africa's border with Lesotho
• Who: a 56-year-old BMA official stationed at the border
• What was found: 22 stamped passports belonging to Lesotho nationals who were not present, plus R2 100 in cash
• Charges: corruption, possession of passports without lawful authority and immigration offences
• Next step: the suspect is to appear before the Ladybrand Magistrate's Court

What is the alleged scheme?

The State Security Agency alerted authorities after several passports belonging to Lesotho nationals were placed under monitoring. Intelligence reports indicated those passports had been carried from Limpopo to Ladybrand to be stamped unlawfully.

According to the intelligence reports, the purpose of the stamping was to extend the holders' visa validity and their stay in South Africa without them being physically present, as the law requires.

Who took part in the operation?

Masiapato said the arrest was a joint operation by the BMA Integrity Management Unit, the Department of Home Affairs Counter Corruption Unit, South African Police Service Ladybrand Detectives and K9 Unit, and Crime Intelligence Free State.

The arrest took place just over 10 days after the BMA held the fifth instalment of its Anti-Corruption Awareness Campaign at OR Tambo International Airport.

What happens next?

The suspect is due to appear before the Ladybrand Magistrate's Court on charges of corruption, possession of passports without lawful authority and immigration offences. Police have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation continues.

The BMA said it is finalising more than 60 labour relations and disciplinary cases involving breaches of internal controls, fraud, corruption and other misconduct. In the past three months, 17 officials have been dismissed from the BMA, and more dismissals are expected. The Authority said it will keep working with law enforcement and security agencies to detect unlawful conduct and ensure officials involved are prosecuted.

What this means for travellers

The case concerns an official accused of stamping passports without the holder being present at the border. Travellers crossing between South Africa and Lesotho, or applying for extensions of a South African stay, should make sure any passport endorsement is made in their presence at the port of entry, as the law requires.

The BMA was established three years ago to address illegal migration and corruption in border management, and Masiapato said South Africa is seeing benefits from the leadership's stance against corruption. The investigation is continuing.