Botha-Bothe, Aug. 20 — District Administrator (DA) Mr. Ts’epa Chaba has confirmed that officers implicated in bribery allegations at the Botha-Bothe passport office will face disciplinary action.
This follows an unannounced visit by the Minister of Home Affairs on Monday, where the district manager was reportedly found intoxicated on duty.
Speaking to the agency on Wednesday, Mr. Chaba stated that he had repeatedly summoned the district manager and deputy manager to his office regarding misconduct, including allegations of corruption and reporting to work while intoxicated.
“I have tried on many occasions to work with them and talk some sense into them, even going to their offices to address the complaints. But nothing seemed to change, and it reached a point where someone above me had to intervene,” he said.
He added that he had received numerous public complaints, with community members alleging that officers demanded bribes in exchange for passports. “The situation was getting out of hand. However, after the Minister’s visit, I have already seen positive changes, and I hope it will stay that way,” he said. . . .
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