By Thokozani Mazibuko
The Ministry of Home Affairs has been embroiled in a shocking scandal involving the theft and sale of valuable passports.
According to a reliable source, a box of passports worth E1 million was unlawfully sold to a criminal syndicate for a fraction of its actual value – E300,000.
The scandal has serious implications as most of the passports sold were international and local.
The syndicate used these legitimate passports to create fraudulent copies, leading to a significant shortage of legitimate passports within the ministry.
This has raised concerns about national security and has left many citizens without proper documentation.
The illicit activities of the syndicate have not only put the integrity of the country’s passport system at risk but have also raised questions about the possible involvement of officials within the Home Affairs Ministry.
Communication Officer at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mlandvo Dlamini last week released a Press Statement,
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following the recent discovery of alleged issuance of illegal documents and involvement of officials in corrupt practices.
The communication officer disclosed that the Ministry has suspended four officials pending further investigations and disciplinary hearings.
According to Dlamini, this decision was taken to uphold the integrity of the Ministry and to demonstrate its zero tolerance for any form of corruption or misconduct.
“As internal investigations progress, more individuals found to be engaged in corrupt practices will be held accountable and appropriate action will be taken against them.
he Ministry is resolute in its commitment to root out corruption at all levels and will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of a corruption-free environment that serves the best interests of the citizens and upholds the rule of law,” the statement reads.
Dlamini further disclosed in the statement that the Ministry will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations.
“Our priority is to uncover the truth, hold those responsible accountable, and take necessary steps to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
The actions taken today underscore our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards within our Ministry.
We remain dedicated to upholding the principles of good governance and ethical behaviour in all aspects of our work.
It is imperative that we serve the public with honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness,” Dlamini pointed out.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, in the statement, then assured the public that they would provide updates on the progress of the investigations and any subsequent actions taken.
“Rest assured, we are fully committed to ensuring that justice is served and that the public’s trust in our institution is safeguarded.
Nonetheless, we encourage the public to come forward with any information or concerns related to corruption within the Ministry, as we are committed to addressing these issues promptly and decisively,” he stated.
The Ministry, moreover, called upon the cooperation of all stakeholders and the public in its efforts to combat corruption and ensure that the Ministry/its departments operate with the utmost integrity and credibility.
It is worth mentioning that the fact that fraudulent passport copies have been circulating poses a serious threat to the country’s security and could potentially be exploited by criminal elements for illicit activities.
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The Home Affairs Ministry, tasked with the crucial responsibility of managing the country’s immigration and passport services, now finds itself embroiled in a scandal that has the potential to tarnish its reputation.
Furthermore, it should be noted that the implications for the citizens of Eswatini cannot be understated.
With a shortage of legitimate passports and the circulation of fraudulent copies, many individuals may find themselves facing challenges when it comes to travel, employment opportunities, and access to essential services.
The very fabric of society, built on trust in government institutions, has been shaken by this scandal.
