Department of Education employees in Mpumalanga arrested for fraud

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An attempt by Department of Education employees to defraud the department has led to an arrest of 8 suspects.

It is alleged that Johans Mandla Mathabela, Soneti Prudence Mabila, Nikiwe Monica Mashabane, Samuel Mutshweni, Nenesia Mnisi, Thailand Sigage who are employees of the Mpumalanga Department of Education, together with two Early Childhood Development Centre Directors, Sibongile Linah Mathabela and Gloria Mhlanga appeared before the Nelspruit Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday, 29 August 2024 for fraud, theft, corruption and money laundering charges.

Their appearance followed after they were served with summons to appear in court by the Nelspruit based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation.

It is alleged that, the six Department of Education employees, in collusion with the Directors of two different Early Childhood Development Centres situated in Masoyi, acted in a common purpose, to unlawfully, falsely and with intention, to defraud and cause prejudice to the Mpumalanga Department of Education.

They allegedly submitted fraudulent and falsified documents for two Early Childhood Development Centres so they can qualify for government subsidies whereas they did not qualify.

The made an appearance before the Nelspruit Specialised Commercial Crimes Court where their matter was postponed to 14 October 2024 for legal representative of two of the accused.