Senior SA immigration officer, Veli Malambe Arrested

A senior immigration officer, Veli Malambe (50), was granted R5 000 bail by the White River Magistrate’s Court after being arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit in Nelspruit.

Malambe allegedly demanded a bribe after arresting a foreign national accused of working illegally as a street vendor without a valid permit. He reportedly confiscated the woman’s travel documents and the ID of her South African employer, allegedly demanding R2 500 for their return.

The matter was reported to the Hawks, who launched an investigation.

During the operation, the alleged bribe amount was reduced to R1 500, with Hawks investigators providing trap money. Malambe was arrested after allegedly accepting the cash and was found in possession of the marked money.

The confiscated documents were also recovered.

He appeared in court on 11 May 2026 and is expected back on 26 June 2026.

Mpumalanga Hawks head Major General Nico Gerber warned officials against abusing their authority for personal gain.