Home Affairs officials After Bushiri fraud

File: Malawian preacher Shepherd Bushiri waves at supporters. AFP/Amos Gumulira

JOHANNESBURG - Home Affairs department officials have been suspended for their role in fraudulently getting Shepherd Bushiri a South African permanent residence permit.

The officials have been charged internally and will face disciplinary procedures.

Bushiri and his wife are on the run after skipping bail and fleeing to Malawi in November.

The evangelical non-denominational Christian preacher is facing fraud, theft and money laundering charges.

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says the department's case does not include an investigation on how Bushiri escaped the country.