By REGINALD KANYANE
3 October 2026 – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has welcomed the conviction of former Department of Home Affairs (DHA) employee, Tholithemba Malusi Mlondo (34) on multiple charges of corruption, fraud and contraventions of the Identification Act and Immigration Act. Mlondo was found guilty on 1 October 2026 in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court following an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team into unlawful activities at the DHA office in Pietermaritzburg.
The Hawks national spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said the charges relate to activities that allegedly took place between February 2022 and July 2023, when a group of South African citizens allegedly facilitated the fraudulent acquisition of South African passports by foreign nationals. Mogale said according to the investigation, the unlawful activities were carried out outside normal business hours, including during evenings, weekends and public holidays when the DHA offices were officially closed.
“Mlondo was found guilty on 264 counts, comprising 66 counts of fraud, 66 counts of corruption, 66 counts of contravening the Immigration Act and 66 counts of contravening the Identification Act. The accused has been in custody since his arrest and remains in custody pending sentencing.
“The conviction demonstrates the ongoing efforts of the Serious Corruption Investigation team to address corruption and other unlawful activities affecting the Department of Home Affairs,” she said.
Mogale further said this conviction is indicative of the ongoing efforts by the Serious Corruption Investigation team in the fight against unlawful activities that continue to plague the Department of Home Affairs. She added that they remain committed to investigating cases of corruption and ensuring that those who abuse their positions for personal gain are brought before the courts.
Mogale said the matter was postponed to 13 November 2026, for a pre-sentencing report, and Mlondo was remanded in custody.
