Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says 15 religious leaders have been identified for investigation over allegedly fraudulent immigration benefits.
The individuals, described by the Special Investigating Unit as pastors and prophets, are being investigated for the suspected irregular, fraudulent or unlawful acquisition of visas, permits and related benefits.
Schreiber disclosed the figures in response to a parliamentary question from African Transformation Movement MP Thandiswa Marawu.
The investigations are being conducted under Proclamation No. 154 of 2024.
Eight cases referred to NPA
Schreiber said 10 of the 15 investigations had been completed.
Eight matters were formally referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for consideration of possible prosecution.
Two cases were closed after all investigative steps were completed and the matters were satisfactorily resolved.
Five investigations remain ongoing.
The minister said the SIU did not separate foreign religious leaders, pastors and prophets into different categories.
Instead, the terms “pastor” and “prophet” were used interchangeably in the investigated cases.
Visas and permits under scrutiny
The immigration benefits linked to the investigations include temporary residence visas and permanent residence permits.
Other immigration benefits administered under the Immigration Act are also being examined.
The allegations include claims that some religious leaders received help from Home Affairs officials to secure immigration benefits through unlawful processes.
However, no findings against the unnamed individuals have been made public.
The NPA must still decide whether the eight referred cases should result in criminal prosecutions.
Names will remain confidential
Schreiber said Home Affairs could not disclose the identities of the people being investigated.
The department also declined to reveal the exact immigration benefits linked to each person.
He said releasing individual details could undermine ongoing investigations and possible criminal proceedings.
“The disclosure of person-specific details at this stage may prejudice ongoing investigations and potential criminal proceedings,” Schreiber said.
The minister said more information would be provided to Parliament once the investigative and prosecutorial processes allowed disclosure.
For now, the five outstanding investigations will continue, while the NPA considers the eight cases referred to it.