In a significant development, five foreign nationals and one South African citizen have been found guilty of corruption-related charges in KwaZulu-Natal, marking a crucial milestone in the fight against corruption.
The Durban Magistrates Court delivered the verdict on March 4 and 5, 2024, following an extensive investigation led by the National Serious Corruption Investigation unit in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs’ Counter Corruption division in KZN. The accused, including two Congolese nationals and three Bangladeshi nationals, were apprehended between 2021 and 2023 as they attempted to board flights to various destinations after undergoing airport procedures.
The charges against the accused include fraud, corruption, contravention of the Identification Act, and immigration-related offenses. They were found guilty on all seven counts brought against them, underscoring the gravity of their illicit activities.
The modus operandi involved collusion between a Department of Home Affairs official, Judy Zuma, and a syndicate of foreign nationals and South African citizens. Together, they facilitated the fraudulent acquisition of South African passports by replacing legitimate owners’ photos with those of the foreign nationals, who assumed false identities.
Judy Zuma, the implicated official, has already pleaded guilty and been convicted on numerous counts of fraud, corruption, and contravention of immigration and identification laws. Her sentencing is scheduled for April 5, 2024.
The sentencing of the foreign nationals is pending, with the Congolese duo set to appear on March 8, 2024, and the Bangladeshi trio on May 21, 2024. These verdicts are anticipated to send a strong message regarding the consequences of engaging in corrupt practices and abusing public trust.
The successful prosecution of individuals involved in such schemes demonstrates the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between government entities and the judiciary in rooting out corruption at all levels of society.
As South Africa continues its efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency and accountability, these convictions serve as a reminder that perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions, regardless of their nationality or status.