Two weeks after the police launched a major crackdown on foreign nationals allegedly involved in an elaborate online gambling syndicate; no arrests have been made among local immigration officers.
This is despite ongoing parallel investigations by both the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and the ministry of home affairs’ Compliance Unit within the immigration department.
The operation led by the police in collaboration with the ministry of home affairs began on March 11 at the Castle Hotel in Mbabane, where 85 foreign nationals were initially detained. The suspects are reported to originate from countries including Mainland China, Brazil, Indonesia, Republic of China (Taiwan) and Cambodia.
Authorities have since intensified the operation, with the number of arrested foreign nationals rising to approximately 233.
The latest arrests of about 100 individuals were carried out on Monday at the Madlenya House in Mbabane and at Emfuleni Lifestyle. Among those apprehended so far is only one Liswati man, who was reportedly employed by the foreign nationals.
The suspects face multiple charges, including contravening the Trading License Order Act and the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Prevention) Act. They are also accused of unlawfully entering and remaining in the country without valid permits.
However, the unfolding scandal has raised serious questions about possible internal collusion, with widespread suspicion that some immigration officials may have facilitated the illegal entry and stay of the foreign nationals by improperly issuing passports and visas.
The revelations have shocked the nation, sparking public outcry and calls for accountability.
Members of the public, alongside political leaders, have urged authorities to ensure that anyone involved, regardless of position, is brought to justice. Some legislators have also voiced concern that the suspects could evade justice despite the extensive police operation. Despite these concerns, no arrest of any official from the ministry of home affairs has been reported so far.
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Responding to these developments, the ministry’s Communications Officer Mlandvo Dlamini confirmed that internal investigations were actively underway, stressing that the process required thoroughness and credible evidence.
He explained that while suspicions may be high, the ministry was committed to ensuring that any accusations are backed by concrete proof before action is taken.
“We are conducting internal investigations and it is important to note that before any individual can be accused of wrongdoing, there must be sufficient and credible evidence,” Dlamini said.
He added that investigators were making progress, uncovering new information on a daily basis, although details could not yet be disclosed due to the sensitivity of the matter.
“We are making new discoveries every day, but at this stage, I cannot divulge that information.
‘‘The public must, however, rest assured that the ministry is doing everything in its power to root out any form of corruption within its ranks,” Dlamini said.
He emphasised that the ministry has systems in place to ensure accountability, noting that every employee operates under a unique username, which allows for actions to be traced within the system.
“This means that if any officer is found to have been involved in wrongdoing, there will be evidence linking them to the activity, and they will face the full consequences of the law,” he emphasised.
Further, Dlamini explained that even senior officials will not escape scrutiny, as there were established documentation processes that create a paper trail of instructions and decisions.
“In cases where a senior officer may be implicated, there will be documented evidence, such as written instructions to junior officers. This paper trail will serve as proof connecting them to any wrongdoing,” he said.
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Dlamini also issued a strong warning that no one within the ministry would be shielded from accountability, regardless of their rank.
“There is no fish big enough to escape the net that fishes out corruption within the ministry,” he said.
He added that once due disciplinary processes are followed and any officer is found guilty, they will be dismissed from service and face possible criminal charges.
Meanwhile, acting Chief Police Information and Communication Officer Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni said the last arrests made were those of the foreign nationals at Madlenya House on Monday and confirmed that thus far they had no records of any arrested home affairs officials.
ARRESTS SO FAR:
– 85 Asian nationals were rounded up at Castle Hotel in Mbabane on March 11.
– 32 suspects were arrested at Umushi Wenkosazane in Forbes Reef, Nkhaba on March 20.
– 16 suspects were arrested at Woodlands in Mbabane on the same date.
– 50 suspects were rounded up at Emfuleni Lifestyle on March 23.
– About 50 more suspects were arrested at Madlenya House in Mbabane on March 23.
