Shepherd Bushiri (top) and Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso (bottom right) are implicated in a shocking investigation by the SIU, revealing systemic corruption within South Africa's Department of Home Affairs headed by Minister Leon Schreiber. The writer argues for lifestyle audits of Home Affairs staff.
Image: IOL Archives/IOL Graphics
Recently we heard of mind boggling and quite unbelievable revelations at the parliamentary ad hoc committee and Madlanga Commission regarding the deep rot and rampant criminality, especially among senior police officers that have negatively impacted our country.
We now hear anew of the entrenched rot and immense criminality at the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Pastors from neighbouring countries are colluding with DHA officials who are making millions by criminally working in tandem to procuring work and study permits and residency issues.
Both sides comprise rotten and corrupt elements that have no place in this land. DHA officials abet criminality, allowing pastors to maintain lucrative businesses due to this criminal interaction.
Such pastors are not true pastors who should humbly and faithfully serve God by leading the flock. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing and de facto impostors whose “god” is mammon.
Competent state authorities must take necessary action to ensure that such illegality and corruption of both parties (officials and pastors) are addressed. All offenders must be arrested, tried and put behind bars for long terms.
Lifestyle audits of officials must continue because they expose ill-gotten gains and obvious criminality.
It is pleasing to note, firstly, that many DHA officials have been dismissed and, secondly, that the new ETA digitalisation system that DHA Minister Leon Schreiber is introducing will greatly assist the department. Permits and other authorities granted unlawfully must be revoked.
Crime and corruption are twin cancers crippling our beloved country; they need priority attention to be rooted out. In this way South Africans can have a better life and our credibility and dignity will be restored. Law and order are keystones in a civilised society and we must strive for the maintenance thereof. | SIMON T DEHAL Verulam
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