The Department of Home Affairs welcomes the conviction and sentence handed out to Sanele Zungu, a former Senior Admin Officer based at the Melmoth Local Office, KwaZulu-Natal.

She was arrested following a joint sting operation by SAPS and Home Affairs investigators and subsequently found guilty of selling birth certificates.

On 14 August 2014, the Melmoth Magistrate Court sentenced her to six years imprisonment.  

The conviction and sentence of Zungu communicate an all important message that corruption and fraud will not be tolerated in the Department of Home Affairs.

Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Malusi Gigaba, has emphasised that any official who is found to be involved in acts of fraud and corruption that seek to undermine the security imperatives of the Republic will face the full might of the law. The Department ensures that such individuals are subjected to both internal disciplinary process as well as criminal prosecution.

The Department appreciates the support and involvement of SAPS Anti-Corruption Unit of KwaZulu-Natal in our endeavour to curb corrupt practices in our work environment.

To this end, we extend a call to members of the public to continue to report fraud and corruption relating to the services provided by Home Affairs.  

Such incidents maybe reported to the National Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 701 701 (toll-free) or email information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   

For more information kindly contact Mayihlome Tshwete on 072 869 2477

ISSUED BY DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS