Zuko Komisa
- Eleven individuals, including accounting clerks and their family members, were arrested alongside four implicated businesses.
- College finance staff allegedly diverted student bursary funds into private accounts and shell companies for personal gain.
- All accused are currently out on bail and are scheduled to appear in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 7 May 2026.
The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit has arrested 11 individuals and four companies in connection with a major bursary fraud scheme at Lephalale TVET College.
The suspects appeared before the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court in Polokwane on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, facing serious charges of fraud and theft involving funds from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The investigation dates back to 2017, when Sydwell Molala, an accounting clerk at the college, allegedly conspired with senior accountant Mokgere Mamabolo and financial clerk Maxwell Chinyemba.
According to the Hawks, the trio orchestrated the theft of NSFAS funds, which were intended to support underprivileged students’ education and living costs.
To conceal the illicit transactions, the officials reportedly opened multiple bank accounts in the names of various family members.
Two of the suspects further complicated the paper trail by registering four front companies specifically designed to move and hide the stolen money. This coordinated effort allowed the group to siphon off public funds over an extended period.
Major General Gopez Govender, the Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo, reaffirmed the unit’s dedication to protecting public resources.
He emphasised that corruption targeting student support and education remains a top priority for investigators. The public is urged to come forward with any information that may assist in the ongoing probe into these financial crimes.
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