Maseru border official allegedly caught with 22 stamped passports
A 56-year-old Border Management Authority official has been arrested at the Maseru port of entry after allegedly being found with 22 stamped passports belonging to Lesotho nationals and R2,100 in cash.
A 56-year-old Maseru border official was arrested with 22 stamped passports and R2,100 in cash, according to the Border Management Authority (BMA). The arrest occurred after an intelligence-driven operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the BMA’s Integrity Management Unit and the South African Police Service’s Ladybrand Detectives.
The operation was initiated following reports from the State Security Agency about Lesotho nationals' passports under surveillance. The passports were allegedly transported from Limpopo to Ladybrand for unlawful stamping, extending their visa validity and allowing holders to stay in South Africa without physical presence, which is against the law.
The official was found with the passports and cash at the scene and is expected to face charges in Ladybrand Magistrate’s Court. The BMA Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, highlighted the authority's efforts to combat corruption and illegal migration since its establishment three years ago, noting that more arrests are anticipated.
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