SIU Uncovers Visa Fraud Syndicate Operating Across South African Universities, Mzansi Demands Action
- The Special Investigating Unit has provided more details about a coordinated Visa fraud syndicate targeting South African universities
- SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho explained just how long the fraud has been ongoing and which departments were involved
- South Africans took to social media to weigh in on the update, with many questioning when action would be taken against the culprits
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Twitter
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG - The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has confirmed that a sophisticated Visa fraud syndicate has been operating within South African universities since at least 2013, with corrupt Home Affairs officials identified as active participants in the scheme.
The revelation emerged during an interview with Newzroom Afrika, in which SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho detailed findings that had been presented to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
Syndicate targeted all 26 universities
Makgotho told Newzroom Afrika that while the formal proclamation governing the investigation covers the period between 2017 and 2025, internal probes traced the syndicate's origins back to 2013.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
The unit's presentation to the portfolio committee covered all 26 public universities, as well as other institutions of higher learning, drawing on a case study of approximately 76 cases.
Investigators found that corrupt officials approved fraudulent study Visas and other permits without verification, with bribes routed through cash, e-wallets, and accounts linked to officials' spouses or intermediaries.
The SIU submitted a systemic recommendation that the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Higher Education, and the Department of Labour and Employment develop integrated systems capable of tracking movement between institutions in real time.
Makgotho drew a direct comparison to a previous SIU investigation involving foreign nationals who entered the country through fraudulent means and subsequently established churches with large followings.
"We are seeing the very same trend," he said, adding that the pattern had now entrenched itself in higher education.
The 2,000 fraudulent visas already identified may represent only a fraction of the full scope, with Makgotho acknowledging that "as and when we uncover a particular trend, more similar trends seem to come to light."
How did South Africans respond?
South Africans responded sharply to the disclosures on social media, with many calling for action to be taken.
@LelimoMohlomi asked:
"But then what's going to be done after this revelation? What's next?"
@srakwena said:
"Home Affairs is far more responsible for the crisis this country finds itself in. That department is the most dangerous of them all.
@Sabby_Sabz exclaimed:
"Stop telling us what we already know and do something about it."
@NguneziSy20672 added:
" Action speaks louder than words. All involved must be arrested and brought to book immediately. They mustn't forget to thank March and March for their efforts to make this an unforgettable moment in our lives.
@TamarSussex urged:
"They need to investigate from 1994. Home Affairs is rotten to the core."
Spaza shop funding probed
In a related article, the recent findings from Parliament regarding spaza shop funding in South Africa were revealed.
Briefly News reported that South Africans expressed concern that foreign nationals were receiving grants for shops.
The investigation revealed that despite significant public concern, no funds have been disbursed to foreign nationals.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Briefly News
