The Mpumalanga education department has opened a criminal case against two of its officials for allegedly stealing public funds meant for housing allowances.
The department confirmed this week that the officials, who work in the Ehlanzeni district, manipulated the payment system to unlawfully enrich themselves and several educators between July and November 2024.
The case was formally registered at the KaNyamazane police station last Friday.
Department spokesperson Jasper Zwane said an internal investigation uncovered a well-orchestrated scheme in which officials processed housing allowance payments outside of their authorised PERSAL distribution code without approval.
“The investigation revealed that the two officials in question unlawfully manipulated the payment system by processing housing allowances outside their authorised PERSAL distribution code without the necessary approvals,” Zwane said.
Educators benefited from transactions
According to Zwane, the fraudulent transactions benefited not only the two suspects but also several educators and officials in various districts.
“These payments were processed without compliance with the established administrative procedures,” he explained.
The department has since suspended the two officials to allow the investigation to proceed without interference. They will face internal disciplinary hearings in addition to the criminal case.
Zwane warned that even those who benefited from the fraudulent payments — knowingly or not — would not be spared.
“A process is underway to recover the funds from all individuals who unlawfully benefited from the irregular payments,” Zwane said.
“Disciplinary actions will also be taken against those who knowingly received these payments in violation of departmental policy.”
Zero-tolerance stance on fraud
He stated that the department is committed to eradicating fraud and corruption, aligning with Premier Mandla Ndlovu’s pledge to combat corruption whenever it emerges.
“The Mpumalanga education department reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on fraud, corruption, and unethical conduct.”
He said the names of the implicated officials will not be released at this stage to protect the integrity of the investigation.
The department, led by MEC Cathy Dlamini, also announced that it would not issue further statements to give law enforcement space to conduct the investigation.
Police in KaNyamazane have yet to make any arrests but are investigating the case, while the department continues with internal recovery processes.
