Hawks bust immigration officer

AN IMMIGRATION officer from the Vioolsdrift Port of Entry in the Northern Cape made a brief appearance in the Springbok Magistrate’s Court on Friday on charges including corruption and contravening the Immigration Act.

Benedictus J Fredericks, 46, was arrested on Thursday as part of a collaborative investigation between the Hawks Anti-Corruption Unit and the Department of Home Affairs into illegal activities at the border post between Namibia and the Northern Cape.

“This investigation started in October 2016 and lead to the arrest of a 46-year-old immigration officer,” Hawks communication officer, Captain Philani Nkwalase, said. “Two other immigration officers were taken in for questioning and were later released.”

A search of Fredericks’ residence uncovered the passports of eight foreign nationals as well as an undisclosed amount of cannabis, resulting in an additional charge.

“Hawks investigations uncovered the alleged fraudulent renewal of passports without following due processes and acceptance of gratification through cash payments as well as electronic transactions,” said Nkwalase.

The accused was released on bail of R2 000.

Hawks provincial head, Major-General Kholekile Galawe, applauded the Home Affairs management at Vioolsdrift Port of Entry for acting decisively in reporting the matter to the Hawks and their assistance during the investigation.

“We are in dire need of such patriotic and law-abiding civil servants within our Province and the entire country,” Galawe said