The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) says it has noted ‘with shock’ allegations of bribery against some of its staff members.

This comes after some of the administration staff were accused of demanding bribes from students for them to gain admission to the university.

According to the UMP’s spokesperson Tlangelani Ubisi, an investigation has been launched to get to the bottom of this matter.

“The university will take the necessary actions should the allegations be found to be true. We strongly urge members of the community and prospective students not to pay any money to get admission to UMP. The university has zero tolerance for such actions, as they are not consistent with our value of integrity,” says Ubisi.

Lowvelder is in possession of a screenshot of a WhatsApp conversation in which one of the administrators demanded R6 500 from one of the students who wanted a spot at the university.

The newspaper is also in possession of an email another student received to confirm that she was admitted. However, she later received another email without a UMP letterhead stating that she was not admitted as a mistake had been made.

The student says she is still not sure whether she should go back to the university to finalise the registration.

Another student says that after a conversation with a university administrator, she refused to pay the bribe because she did not have money. As a result, she was not admitted to study at the UMP, although she claims that she qualifies.

Meanwhile, provincial police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli has warned members of the public against fraudsters who target students who are eager to further their education at higher institutions.

He says the academic year has started, and prospective students and their parents are running around trying to secure admission, as well as accommodation from various tertiary institutions.

“Fraudsters often take advantage of this period and target the needy by promising to make their dreams come true. Some desperate students and parents are vulnerable and accept these offers with both hands.”

Some of the fraudsters will convince their victims that they are well connected to higher authorities in the learning institutions, while others impersonate these institutions’ employees.

“After gaining [the] trust of their targets, the fraudsters solicit bribes from these desperate individuals in exchange for fake admission and bogus accommodation. Parents are therefore warned not to bet on the losing horse by depositing their hard-earned cash into the personal accounts of these scammers, or to send money via money markets.”