BMA official nabbed with 22 stamped passports and cash

A 56-year-old Border Management Authority (BMA) official stationed at the Maseru Port of Entry has been arrested following an intelligence driven operation.

The operation was conducted by BMA Integrity Management Unit and other role players.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Mmemme Mogotsi says acting on this information, law enforcement authorities conducted an operation that resulted in the arrest of the BMA official.

Mogotsi says at the time of the arrest, the official was allegedly found in possession of 22 stamped passports belonging to Lesotho nationals, without the lawful holders being present, as well as R2 100 in cash.

Mogotsi says intelligence indicated that the passports had allegedly been transported from Limpopo to Ladybrand for the purpose of unlawfully being stamped and extending their visa validity and stay in the Republic of South Africa.

“Acting on this information, law enforcement authorities conducted an operation that resulted in the arrest of the BMA official.

At the time of the arrest, the official was allegedly found in possession of 22 stamped passports belonging to Lesotho nationals, without the lawful holders being present, as well as R2 100 in cash.

The suspect was arrested on the spot and is expected to appear before the Ladybrand Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to corruption, possession of passports without lawful authority, and immigration-related offences.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests have not been ruled out.”