“Visa-selling” diplomat’s conduct slammed as treasonous

Civil rights organisation, #NotInMyName International, says the involvement of South African citizens in cross-border crimes is tantamount to treason.

The organisation was reacting to the visa scandal, South Africa’s ambassador to Dubai,  Tsepo Lebona, is embroiled in.

Lebona allegedly orchestrated break-ins at his office as part of his visa-selling scheme to United Arab Emirates (UAE) citizens.

The diplomat is accused of issuing handwritten study visas and work permits to applicants.

It is alleged that he also arranged diplomatic status for his son.

Lebona’s conduct has, among others, raised questions over the country’s laxity on immigration laws and safeguarding the borders.

#NotInMyName’s secretary-general, Themba Masango, says such conduct risks SA’s national pride, security and sovereignty.

“It’s very disheartening to find that our citizens are part of these crimes. We need to make sure that the government does the necessary vetting of all these people put into positions, to be clear that they are not compromised.”

Masango says tighter and stricter measures should be non-negotiable.

Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schrieber, has echoed #NotInMyName ‘s sentiments on national security.

The Minister says his department will support the International Relations Department’s (Dirco) probe against the official.

“Eliminating outrageous paper-based and hand-written processes is our apex priority.”

This scandal comes amid tensions over the influx of undocumented foreign nationals on South African soil.

Recently, the country has seen a number of human smuggling cases, with the most prominent one, being the 95 Libyans who were recently deported after they were found at an illegal military base.

Organisations like Operation Dudula have been on a trail to close down foreign-owned businesses in various townships in a bid to curb the scourge of undocumented persons making a living in South Africa.