The BMA has dismissed 50 officers and disciplined 38 more as part of a major anti-corruption initiative at South Africa’s ports of entry. Picture Credit: Facebook
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa – The Border Management Authority (BMA) has launched a decisive crackdown on corruption at South Africa’s ports of entry, dismissing 50 immigration officers and placing a further 38 officials under disciplinary action.
The measures were announced during an awareness campaign at the Maseru Bridge Port of Entry on Tuesday, part of the ongoing efforts of the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum (BMIACF).
Addressing officials, BMA Commissioner and CEO Dr Michael Masiapato sent a clear warning that unethical conduct would not be tolerated.
“Fifty immigration officers who were performing duties at ports of entry have already been dismissed,” Masiapato said. “At this moment, another thirty-eight officials are undergoing disciplinary processes after being implicated in corrupt activities, and most of them are likely to be dismissed.”
He urged remaining officials to uphold integrity, warning: “If you are not part of the fifty who have already lost their jobs or the thirty-eight currently facing disciplinary action, make sure you never become part of that statistic.”
Masiapato highlighted the broader impact of corruption, noting that it erodes public trust and undermines the integrity of South Africa’s border security.
The awareness campaign also emphasised the role of the BMIACF as a collaborative platform bringing together law enforcement, civil society, and business stakeholders to confront systemic corruption. Key agencies include the Department of Home Affairs, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI/Hawks).
Acting SIU head Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho also addressed the campaign, outlining proactive measures introduced by the Special Investigating Unit to prevent corruption. These include lifestyle audits, employee vetting, and advanced data analytics to identify irregularities early.
“Corruption undermines the integrity of our ports of entry and weakens public trust in the institutions responsible for safeguarding the country,” Masiapato said.
The BMA said the campaign is part of a wider strategy to ensure all officials perform their duties with honesty, professionalism, and accountability, without fear, favour, or compromise.
“The message is clear: safeguarding the country’s ports requires ethical leadership, personal responsibility, and zero tolerance for corruption,” Masiapato concluded.
