A 55-year-old woman has been arrested in Mpumalanga in connection with an alleged money-laundering scheme linked to a multimillion-rand provincial education tender corruption investigation.

The arrest was carried out by members of the Middelburg and Nelspruit Serious Corruption Investigation teams yesterday, October 14.

“The investigation, which has already resulted in the arrest of 40 suspects in February 2026, relates to allegations of fraud, theft, corruption, money laundering and contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act involving approximately R114m earmarked for emergency repairs and maintenance at schools in Mpumalanga,” said Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Colonel Magonseni Nkosi.

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He said the suspects arrested during the initial operation included 21 directors of service-provider companies, 10 government officials and other individuals, including family members allegedly linked to the scheme.

Suspect faces court over R1m transactions

The latest suspect is alleged to have received more than R1m through transactions involving four service providers and her husband, who is also an accused in the broader matter.

The woman is facing a money-laundering charge and is expected to appear before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court today, October 15.

The rest of the accused are expected to make their next court appearance on December 1, excluding one accused person who was released by the court after investigations revealed that his credentials were used without his knowledge.

Following the exclusion, the number of accused in the matter totals 40.

Hawks vow to follow money trail

“The arrest marks further progress in the ongoing investigation as the Hawks continue to trace the movement of funds allegedly diverted from public resources intended to improve school infrastructure and the learning environment for learners in the province,” said Nkosi.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation provincial head in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, reiterated that the Hawks are committed to following the money, identifying all individuals who may have benefited from alleged criminal activities and ensuring that those implicated are brought before the courts to answer to the allegations against them.

“Possibilities of more arrests cannot be ruled out as investigation continues,” said Nkosi.