Home Affairs’ two on trial
News24 - 20 July 2022
Two senior immigration officers attached to the Department of Home Affairs in Bloemfontein, who were arrested for bribery, have been granted bail of R5 000 each.
They were released after their appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday (11/07).
Dolly Goitsemang Sediti (38) and Leballo Maqalika (50) face charges of corruption. The pair was remanded in custody following their arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team in Bloemfontein.
The investigation into the case was launched in May.
Capt. Christopher Singo, spokesperson for the Hawks in the Free State, said an investigation into the alleged bribery had been launched after a foreign national blew the whistle.
“Information was received about the senior immigration officer of Home Affairs who demanded R6 000 from a foreign national for the release of his brother, who had been arrested for allegedly not having proper documents,” said Singo.
A sting operation was conducted on 26 May, culminating in the arrest of Maqalika.
“He was arrested after being found in possession of the said amount of cash paid by the victim,” said Singo.
“Further investigation discovered that Sediti was implicated in corrupt activities involving Maqalika.”
Singo said Sediti had handed herself over on 4 July, accompanied by her legal team.
He confirmed that the pair was expected to reappear in court soon.