WATCH: Cape Town woman pushed out of home affairs after buying appointment
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has confirmed it is aware of a disturbing incident involving a client and security personnel at its Tyger Valley Centre branch in Cape Town, following the circulation of a video on social media.
In a statement, the department acknowledged that the footage is deeply upsetting and expressed regret for the trauma experienced by the woman involved, as well as by members of the public who have viewed the video.
DHA emphasised that no individual should be subjected to such treatment when accessing government services.
According to the Department, internal records show that the individual in the video did not have a valid appointment on the official DHA booking system. Preliminary findings suggest that she may have been misled into purchasing an appointment slot from a third party — a practice the Department has described as illegal and exploitative.
DHA confirmed that its counter-corruption unit is actively investigating those responsible for selling fraudulent booking slots. The department reiterated that all home affairs appointments are free of charge and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis through official channels.
Meanwhile, the private security guard involved in the incident has since been removed, and the Department has initiated a review of the circumstances surrounding the altercation to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The department has urged members of the public not to pay anyone for booking appointments and to report suspected scams. The Department reaffirmed its commitment to improving service access and ensuring that all clients are treated with dignity and respect.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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