KwaMhlanga Department of Home Affairs official arrested for corruption
The accused was granted R3 000 bail and the case was remanded to December 6.
A 57-year-old employee of the Department of Home Affairs appeared in the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court for corruption on Tuesday, November 19.
The Hawks had arrested Violet Mabena earlier that same day for contravening the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (Precca). She is accused of soliciting R20 000 in exchange for an ID.
Mabena was granted R3 000 bail. The case was remanded to December 6 for further investigation.
According to the Mpumalanga Hawks’ spokesperson, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, the complainant had allegedly received information on October 10, 2021, that there was an official who could assist him to obtain an ID.
“The complainant approached the accused asking for assistance and she agreed to assist him for a fee of R20 000. The money was paid to the accused. The accused then solicited assistance from a lady she once assisted to obtain a birth certificate for her stepson,” said Sekgotodi.
She said this woman was allegedly made to sign forms to obtain the ID for the complainant using her stepson’s fingerprints.
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The complainant informed the Hawks, and an investigation was instituted and finalised.
“A J50 warrant of arrest was authorised and executed at the accused’s workplace in the presence of her boss and colleagues,” Sekgotodi said.
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The provincial Hawks head, Major General Nicholas Gerber, said: “The Hawks will investigate and bring perpetrators of crime to justice, without fear and favour. Home affairs is especially vulnerable to corruption. Officials who abuse their power for personal gain will be investigated with the full might of the law.”
