Free State Home Affairs officials accused of helping Pakistani nationals obtain SA passports

The trio is alleged to have granted South African passports to Pakistani nationals.

Two Home Affairs officials in the Free State and a civilian have been charged with passport-related fraud and corruption in the Bothaville Magistrate’s Court. 

Larrick Tirick Steward, 23, Kamohelo Gordon Sebatane, 45, and Thabiso Meshark Seutlwadi, 44, made a brief court appearance on Tuesday and were formally charged with fraud, corruption, contravention of the Identification Act and contravention of the Immigration Act. 

They were arrested after warrants of arrest were issued by the same court. 

The provincial spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as Hawks), Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti, said the crimes are alleged to have taken place during 2022.

“During November 2022, the Welkom-based Hawks' Serious Corruption Investigation detectives received a complaint from the Department of Home Affairs alleging that, between January and March 2022, two Home Affairs administration clerks based in Bothaville assisted approximately 10 Pakistani nationals with applications for South African passports by using the credentials of South African citizens,” Matoti said. 

The Hawks’ investigation revealed the passports were issued with photographs of the Pakistani nationals. 

“Further investigations revealed that the Home Affairs officials received R10,000 in gratification from the Pakistani applicants in exchange for their assistance,” Matoti said. 

The trio were released on free bail and the case has been transferred to the regional court. 

The matter has been postponed until January 20, 2027.