By Mapaballo Borotho
- A senior immigration officer in Mpumalanga has been arrested for allegedly extorting money from foreign nationals.
- The Hawks claim the official demanded payment in exchange for returning confiscated identity and travel documents.
- He was later arrested during a sting operation and released on R5 000 bail after appearing in court.
The Hawks in Mpumalanga have arrested a senior immigration officer, Veli Malambe, over allegations of extortion involving foreign nationals in the province.
The 50-year-old officer was arrested on Monday, 11 May 2026, and made a brief appearance before the White River Magistrates Court.
Hawks spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Magonseni Nkosi, said the accused was subsequently released on R5,000 bail.
“The arrest follows allegations that the senior immigration official solicited gratification after arresting a foreign national for allegedly working as a street vendor in South Africa without a valid work permit.
“It is alleged that Malambe confiscated the travel document of the 33-year-old female victim, as well as the identity document of her 42-year-old South African employer.
“The accused allegedly demanded payment of R2,500 before the documents could be returned to their lawful owners,” explained Nkosi.
The matter was subsequently reported to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit, which launched an intensive probe.
During the investigation, the alleged gratification amount was reportedly reduced from R2,500 to R1,500.
The Hawks then provided operational money, which was handed to the accused as part of a sting operation.
Following the payment, Hawks members apprehended the suspect, who was found in possession of the marked state money.
The confiscated documents were also recovered.
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