Home Affairs security guard removed after viral video sparks outrage over alleged assault at Cape Town office
Viral video prompts Home Affairs action at Tyger Valley office
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs is under intense public and parliamentary scrutiny following a viral video showing a woman being forcibly removed by security personnel at its Tyger Valley Centre office in Cape Town.
The incident, captured in a 1 minute and 30 second clip, spread rapidly across social media platforms, triggering widespread condemnation and renewed questions about client treatment, private security conduct, and the integrity of the Home Affairs booking system.
Video Shows Distressed Woman Forced Out by Security
In the footage, the visibly distressed woman is seen being pushed out of the Home Affairs premises, eventually falling to the ground. She can be heard claiming she had a confirmed appointment on her phone and alleging that her spectacles and handbag were damaged during the altercation.
“I made my appointment online, I got confirmation and you are pushing me out here. This is unacceptable,” she says in the video, which has since been viewed thousands of times.
Social media posts accompanying the video alleged that the woman, along with two other clients, had valid online bookings but were told their names did not appear on officials’ lists and were denied assistance when they requested verification.
Home Affairs Says No Valid Appointment Found
Responding to the incident, Thulani Mavuso, Deputy Director-General for Operations and spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs, acknowledged that the footage was “distressing” and apologised for the trauma caused.
However, Mavuso said departmental records showed the woman did not have a valid appointment on the official Home Affairs booking system.
According to the department, preliminary findings suggest she may have been misled into purchasing an appointment slot from a third party, a practice Home Affairs has repeatedly warned is illegal and exploitative.
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Security Guard Removed as Investigation Continues
Home Affairs confirmed that the private security guard involved has been removed from duty. The department said it is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure similar situations are prevented in future.
Mavuso reiterated that all Home Affairs appointments are free and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, urging the public not to pay anyone for booking slots and to report suspected scams.
The department’s Counter-Corruption Unit has been tasked with investigating individuals who sell fraudulent appointment slots to desperate clients.
Parliament Demands Full Report on Alleged Assault
The incident has now escalated to Parliament, with the portfolio committee on home affairs expressing “deep concern and exasperation” over the video.
Committee chair Mosa Chabane described the footage as “deeply disturbing” and said it undermined the Batho Pele principles, which require public servants to treat citizens with dignity and respect.
The committee has instructed the department to submit a detailed report without delay, warning that such conduct damages public trust in essential government services.
Concerns Raised Over Role of Private Security
Parliament has also raised alarm over the expanding role of private security guards at Home Affairs offices. Lawmakers noted that security personnel are often seen controlling queues, giving procedural advice and interacting directly with clients, responsibilities that should be handled by trained Home Affairs officials.
The committee said security guards should focus on maintaining order, not enforcing administrative decisions or physically removing clients, particularly those who believe they have legitimate bookings.
Booking System Abuse and Long Queues Under Spotlight
While Home Affairs maintains that the woman did not have a valid appointment, Parliament acknowledged persistent challenges with the electronic booking system, including abuse by third-party “agents” advertising services to bypass official channels.
Despite these systemic issues, Chabane stressed that no administrative failure justifies inhumane treatment of members of the public.
FAQ
What happened at the Tyger Valley Home Affairs office?
A viral video showed a woman being forcibly removed by security personnel, allegedly causing injury and public outrage.
Was the woman assaulted by a Home Affairs security guard?
The department says the matter is under review. Parliament has demanded a full report following allegations of physical mistreatment.
Did the woman have a valid Home Affairs appointment?
Home Affairs says its records show she did not have a valid appointment on the official system.
Why was the Home Affairs security guard removed?
The private security guard involved was removed following the incident as investigations continue.
Are Home Affairs booking appointments free?
Yes. Home Affairs has confirmed that all official appointments are free and issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
Is it illegal to sell Home Affairs appointment slots?
Yes. The department says selling booking slots is illegal and exploitative, and offenders are being investigated.
What is Parliament’s response to the incident?
The portfolio committee has expressed deep concern and ordered Home Affairs to submit a detailed report.
What changes could result from this incident?
Possible outcomes include stricter oversight of security personnel, reforms to the booking system, and clearer separation of security and administrative duties.