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Ladies and gentlemen of the media,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to our Department. Thank you for your presence at this media briefing. My apologies for any inconvenience caused by the fact that we had to change the time of this briefing from the original scheduled time to 11h00 due to unforeseen circumstances.

On June 13, 2001 the National Commissioner of Police, Mr. Jackie Selebi and myself agreed to proceed with a joint project aimed at identifying, investigating and prosecuting Home Affairs, SAPS and Customs officials involved in corruptive practices at all ports of entry in to the country.

Today's brief is to give you a situational update on the breakthrough we have achieved ever since the launch of project Molopo.

Ever-since its launch the Project has managed to unearth a number of organised criminal activities. The following criminal patterns have been established:

* There is a Continental Syndicate operating at regional levels. Evidence available indicates a Western African syndicate (comprising of nationals of Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Senegal) that uses false identity documents as a basis to conduct criminal activities.

* A syndicate consisting of primarily Chinese, Nigerian and Pakistan nationals, and assisted by corrupt officials, is taking full advantage of poor controls and the lack of basic amenities and office equipment to acquire South African citizenship. This syndicate operates in the Gauteng and Northern Province regions of South Africa.

* Some 300 suspect officials within the Department of Home Affairs are currently investigated. These suspects include, inter alia, 40 immigration officials, 127 office clerks, 40 officials based at the Home Affairs HQ at Civitas Building and members of criminal syndicates.

* To date the passport syndicate responsible for the "hijack" of a government vehicle transporting 4000 passports is in the process of being busted. In this regard, a Home Affairs official, Mr. Phillip Sechele, together with his wife, have been arrested and released on bail. This follows a lead by the investigation team and the discovery of some 2780 passports in a hide - out in Garankua. Mr. Sechele has since not reported for work and the police is following his trail. Forensic investigations taking place have indicated that the hijackers are from the East Rand.

* A visa label syndicate has been uncovered. This syndicate operates from the Civitas Building and has connections in West Africa, Europe and Asia. Police are following leads and arrests will be made soon.

* As part of the project, three police officers were arrested on 21 August 2001 on chargers of corruption. The SAPS members are Inspector Baloyi, Inspector Seroke and Sergeant Mudzinga and they will appear in court in due course.

In addition to the aforementioned developments, the following is being finalised:

* The involvement of the SARS as an integral part of our investigations. A meeting took place on the 23 August 2001 to discuss details.

* The vetting of all immigration officials, police and customs officials to the security clearance level of "secret". This programme is led by the NIA and is in the process of being finalised.

* Conducting detailed office inspections in all port control offices in order to highlight administrative, management and general office security weaknesses and make recommendations.

* A Cabinet memorandum is in the process of being finalised in order to ensure compatibility of IT and related systems at all ports of entry.

* Discussion on fraud-related matters are being held with various stakeholders such as banks, insurance companies and other service providers who rely on the positive identification of clients from Home Affairs.

It is our belief that this project will achieve the desired results.

Contact: Leslie Mashokwe at 082 809 6547

Issued by: Department of Home Affairs, 27 August 2001