They are harassed by the police. They are accused of bringing crime to the country. And all too often, they are the victims of irrational xenophobia. Determining whether they qualify for refugee status can take years, and until a decision has been made, they may not work. They are in effect in limbo, with little control over their own lives.

The biggest battle they face, is trying to become legal. The Braamfontein Home Affairs office is the busiest refugee reception centre in the country, with asylum seekers starting to queue outside the offices as early as 4:30am. Of the hundreds of new arrivals every day, only about twelve are let inside. Robert Kitshaiyi from the DRC waited outside every day for three months, and never made it through the door. Without papers he was in the country illegally and was thrown into Lindela Repatriation Centre.

The asylum seekers we spoke to, all said that at Home Affairs money talks. Often the only way to get inside they say, is to pay a bribe. In this week's Special Assignment we show exclusive footage of money changing hands and witness first-hand the abuse metered out to asylum seekers.

This is a story about people fleeing for their lives. This is a story of people searching for peace and safety. This is a story of corruption and mistreatment by South African officials, the very people who are supposed to help and support these people.

Produced by SABC Special Assignment