DEPUTY Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba says the official who allegedly tore up S'khumbuzo Mhlongo's papers instead of issuing him an Identity Document will face "drastic measures".

DEPUTY Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba says the official who allegedly tore up S'khumbuzo Mhlongo's papers instead of issuing him an Identity Document will face "drastic measures".

This after Mhlongo, 22, committed suicide in his shack last week, reportedly leaving a suicide note blaming his death on Home Affairs' refusal to give him an ID book. Mhlongo, who had been abandoned by his mother several years back, was set to begin a full-time job - but only if he had an ID book.

Gigaba told Parliament yesterday that the Pinetown Home Affairs office where the incident took place had been instructed to provide the ministry with a full report by Friday.

"The officials involved will learn a good lesson. We are going to take drastic measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur," Gigaba said.