Two former Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) employees (a man and a woman), as well as an external accomplice, will appear for sentencing for fraud.

This was confirmed by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), where seven employees from the Human Resources Unit of the Gauteng West District Office were involved in a ghost employee scheme.

The GDE’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, confirmed the crime where the scheme defrauded the department of around R3.8m, which was found through an internal risk investigation.

“A criminal case was initially opened in 2016, which ultimately led to the arrest of the two former employees alongside their external accomplice, who is the brother of one of the employees,” Mabona revealed.

The internal investigation further implicated five more employees, and Mabona stated that after a disciplinary process, they were dismissed.

“These dismissals were challenged at the Public Service Sectoral Bargaining Council. The department successfully defended its actions at both the Labour Court and the Labour Appeal Court, with the decision upheld in January,” he said.

He stated the Johannesburg Commercial Crimes Court sitting at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court found them guilty of numerous charges, including forgery and theft.

The outcome was welcomed by the Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane, and he continued that the GDE has zero tolerance for corruption.

“This case demonstrates our commitment to protecting public funds and upholding integrity. We initiated the investigation, took decisive disciplinary action and ensured justice was served. It should also serve as a deterrent for anyone considering criminal activity in our sector.

“The department has strengthened its internal controls and risk management systems to prevent, detect and act decisively against unethical behaviour while promoting a culture of accountability across all offices and schools,” Chiloane said.

They will appear for sentencing in Palm Ridge today and tomorrow, October 2.