According to the Hawks spokesperson, Christopher Singo, these eight officials demanded gratification from Lesotho nationals who did not have legal documents to be in South Africa. They demanded gratification ranging between R150 and R200 from undocumented travellers. 

The officials were nabbed following an operation that included the police and immigration officers from the Department of Home Affairs. 

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

The accused are as follows: 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) and Kgotso Richard Dlamini (53).

They appeared before the Bethlehem Commercial Crime Court on Friday 12 November 2021, where they were 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," he adds.

The eight convicts were nabbed following an investigation conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team based in Bloemfontein in May 2013.

"The court fined all the accused R45 000 or five (5) years imprisonment, except Sempe who was fined R55 000 or five (5) years imprisonment and Dlamini who was fined R30 000 or five (5) years imprisonment," Singo further explained.

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