BMA official nabbed with 22 Lesotho passports in major border corruption bust
The passports had allegedly been transported from Limpopo to Ladybrand for the purpose of being unlawfully being stamped.
A 65-year-old Border Management Authority (BMA) official at the Maseru Port of Entry was arrested on Wednesday, 15 October 2026, following an intelligence-driven operation. The suspect was found in possession of 22 passports belonging to Lesotho nationals and R2 100 in cash, allegedly linked to an unlawful visa-stamping scheme. The arrest occurred ten days after the fifth Anti-Corruption Awareness Campaign hosted by the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum.
The operation was initiated after the State Security Agency provided information that the passports had been transported from Limpopo to Ladybrand for unlawful stamping and visa extension without the passport holders' physical presence. The BMA Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Mmemme Mogotsi, stated that the arrested official is expected to appear in Ladybrand Magistrate’s Court on charges of corruption, possession of passports without lawful authority, and immigration-related offences.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests are not ruled out. The BMA's Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, emphasized the organization's commitment to combating corruption and safeguarding the integrity of South Africa's ports of entry.
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