WATCH: Woman who allegedly bought queue slot pushed out of home affairs by security

THE Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has launched an investigation after a disturbing video showed a confrontation between security personnel and a woman.

Officials believe the woman may have been a victim of an appointment booking scam, highlighting the department's ongoing battle against fraudulent practices.

The DHA confirmed it was aware of the 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 was deeply upsetting and expressed regret for the trauma experienced by the woman, as well as by members of the public who have viewed the video.

The DHA emphasised that no individual should be subjected to such treatment when accessing government services.

According to the DHA, internal records showed that the individual in the video did not have a valid appointment on their official booking system. Preliminary findings suggested 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.

The DHA confirmed that its counter-corruption unit was 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 DHA has urged members of the public not to pay anyone for booking appointments and to report suspected scams. It reaffirmed its commitment to improving service access and ensuring that all clients are treated with dignity and respect.

POST