The Border Management Authority (BMA) has implemented a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption within its ranks, resulting in significant disciplinary actions over the past six months.
Seven immigration officials have been dismissed, and three others placed under precautionary suspension as part of the BMA’s clean-up operations. Additionally, 43 officials are currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings.
BMA Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato outlined the measures being taken to combat corruption, emphasising the importance of integrity among personnel.
“What we are doing as an organisation, firstly, is to make sure that all of the officials that had been integrated into the BMA go through a very intensive vetting process, as provided for in section 13 of the BMA Act. That particular process is underway. Secondly, we are also intending to be implementing lifestyle audits as we go forward,” Masiapato explains.
He further highlighted the agency’s partnership with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), stating, “Now, we had created a partnership with the SIU through the establishment of the Border Management and Immigration Forum, of which the intention is to proactively start dealing with this particular issue of corruption in terms of our officials.”
The BMA says it remains committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in its operations.
BMA conference on national security challenges
