Bogus college owner arrested
A bogus nursing college owner who had been on the run since March last year was arrested on Friday. The 26 year-old suspect, who is a Zimbabwean national was arrested in Mpumalanga by members of the police elite crime fighting unit The Hawks. Police spokesperson, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said the suspect accused of running St …

A bogus nursing college owner who had been on the run since March last year was arrested on Friday.
The 26 year-old suspect, who is a Zimbabwean national was arrested in Mpumalanga by members of the police elite crime fighting unit The Hawks.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said the suspect accused of running St Ignatious FET College in Tzaneen without proper documents was arrested following a sting operation between members from the Hawks and officials from Home Affairs department.
Muladzi said during the suspect’s arrest he was allegedly found with a substantial amount of money and police also confiscated his vehicle.
“The suspect is facing a charge of fraud involving more than R1,1 million, a charge of identity fraud since he was using a fraudulent South African ID and will also be charged with contravening the immigration act,” said Muladzi
He said the investigations were initiated after students who registered with the college went to the Department of Education to enquire whether the college was registered with the department or not.
After the matter was referred to the Hawks for investigation, it was revealed that the college was not registered with the Department of Higher Education.
He said the accreditation certificates from both department of higher education and Umalusi which the college was using were found to be bogus.
“At the time two accomplices, his manager and a supposed lecturer, were arrested and have since been charged and released under the Immigration law after they were found that they were not connected with the running of the college,” said Muladzi.
Provincial Hawks head, Major General Dibero Molatjana praised the investigators for arresting the suspect.
“We have always maintained that criminals can run but they can never hide hence my dedicated team has finally brought this suspects who embezzled innocent students millions to book. We are still busy profiling him and his mischiefs,” said Molatjana.
Meanwhile, the suspect was due to make his first appearance at the Tzaneen Magistrate Court at the time of going to press.
“Police will oppose any bail application since the suspect is viewed as serious flight risk,” added Muladzi.