Corruption at home affairs - phone transcript
The transcript of the phone conversation between a GroundUp journalist and “George”, a man offering to help people to get into Home Affairs for a fee.
Corruption at home affairs - phone recording - audio
Phone rings.
George: Hello?
Journalist: Hello, George, how are you?
George: I’m good, how are you?
Journalist: Fine, I was given your number by Thomas.
George: Mhmmmm…
Journalist: Please, may you assist me, I’m desperately in need of an asylum. Could you assist me, please?
George: Yeah, do you want an asylum for six months?
Journalist: Sorry?
George: You want an asylum for six months neh?
Journalist: Yes, I want an asylum for six months.
George: When, when, when, when?
Journalist: Uhhh, is it possible, how soon can you do it for me please? Because it’s urgent.
George: Yeah, I don’t know its up to you. Where you come from?
Journalist: Sorry?
George: Where do you come from?
Journalist: From Zimbabwe. My name is Tendai
George: You are from Zimbabwe its going to be R800, neh?
Journalist: How much?
George: R800.
Journalist: 800 is fine. So do you want it cash, or should I make a bank transfer, how do you want your money?
George: No mam, I wouldn’t like a bank transfer the guys can pick you up, its corruption mos.
Journalist: Cash.
George: Yeah cash
Journalist: Cash, so, but I am using a phone booth, I don’t have a mobile number, I don’t have a mobile. How do I meet you, and when can I come?
George: Well, you can come tomorrow morning, but you have to bring a cell phone.
Journalist: Tomorrow…
George: Yeah, tomorrow morning, 8 o’clock.
Journalist: 8 o’clock, where can I see, how do I identify you?
George: When you come tomorrow morning at Home Affairs, I am going to tell you what to do.
Journalist: Tomorrow? Oh! How am I going to identify you tomorrow?
George: When you tomorrow morning I am going to tell you what do. You will give me a call and I will tell you what to do.
Journalist: Oh but now, I will be on the booth.
George: Sorry?
Journalist: I will be on the booth, I don’t have a cell phone yet. I’m just coming from Zimbabwe. Can’t you tell me like now, describe to me how do I see you, and…?
George: Do you know Home Affairs?
Journalist: Yes I know Home Affairs.
George: Yeah. I think there’s a phone shop there. Try to call my number, I’m going to tell you where we’re going to meet.
Journalist: Alright, from the phone shop? Then we can meet?.
Journalist: Alright
George:From the phone shop, yeah.
Journalist: Then we meet… Are you going to take me inside first or do I still have to join the queue, how am I going to do it?
George: No, no, you’re not supposed to join the queue.
Journalist: Oh, I am not supposed to join the queue.
George: Yeah, you’re not supposed to join the queue.
Journalist: Okay
George: Give me a call. I’m going to tell you where to go, I’m going to come there and see you. I’m going to bring you inside.
Journalist: Alright, so, can we meet by the entrance, please?
George: Well, I’m going to tell you where we’re going to meet there is a lot of people how are we going to meet there?
Journalist: Alright.
George: yah try try to be there by eight o’clock
Journalist: So, see you tomorrow at eight o’clock?
George: Yes, what was your name?
Journalist: Yes I have the money already
George: No, what is your name?
Journalist: Tendai
George: Tendai?
Journalist: Tendai
George: Tendai
Journalist: Yes
George: Okay, but try to find a cell phone tomorrow neh.
Journalist: Alright, I’ll try.
George: If you can.
Journalist: Okay, Alright. Thank you.
George: Bye.
Journalist: Bye.
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