Consul-General in Dubai recalled over visa scam

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa's top envoy to Dubai has been recalled for allegedly running a scheme selling visas in that country.

An investigation found Consul-General Tsepo Lebona orchestrated break-ins at his office.

It was all a part of an elaborate scheme to sell visas to United Arab Emirates citizens.

Whistleblowers alerted Home Affairs and International Relations to the security breaches.

International Relations Ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the investigation is at a preliminary stage.

"We can confirm, based on the findings of the preliminary investigation, the Consul-General has been recalled to South Africa and will be required to answer important questions around this investigation," Phiri said.