Gov employee imprisoned after creating and paying ghost employees

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As Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana continues to raise complain about depleting funds for public services, somehow government employees still find a way to poke holes in the state pockets for personal benefit. NPA in the North West managed to secure a successful conviction of a 40 years Olebogeng Modikoe who was employed as Principal Human Resource Officer in the Department of Education in the province.

The Magistrates Court in Rustenburg heard that Modikoe created two ghost employees on the system and gave them a three months contract. The said employees reportedly received remuneration amounting to R150 000 in the year 2023.

Following a discovery of the criminal act, investigations conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation were initiated and later on revealed that the salaries were paid into the bank accounts of two accused persons, whose matter is still before court.

As a result the said investigations, Modikoe and his co-accused were arrested in March 2024 and made several court appearances until he entered into a plea and sentencing agreement with the State. He was found guilty and sentenced to three years imprisonment or R20 000 fine on two counts of fraud.

He was further sentenced to two years imprisonment or R10 000 fine on two counts of money laundering. The NPA in the province welcomed the sentencing.