Duo arrested for operating ‘bogus’ school out on bail
One parent wanted to register her child in a different school for the 2022 academic year but received information that her child’s previous school was not registered.
Two women who were arrested two weeks ago for allegedly running an unregistered school in the Pretoria CBD are out on bail.
The two suspects, aged 50 and 51, were arrested at the school located at corner Paul Kruger and Francis Baard streets, said Pretoria Central police spokesperson, Constable Thabang Nkhumise.
He said the duo appeared before the Pretoria magistrate’s court on January 24, where they were granted bail.
They will appear again on Thursday.
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On Tuesday, Nkhumise said the education department visited the building where the school operated but there were no activities.
“The building was locked and we had to get our detective to open for us. From what we gathered, two schools were operating but have since shut down following police intervention,” he said.
Nkhumise said the arrest came after one of the parents alerted the police about the school.
“One parent wanted to register her child in a different school for the 2022 academic year but received information that her child’s previous school was not registered.
“Upon inquiry with the Department of Basic Education, it was discovered that her child’s results did not have an official stamp and the school could not be located in their (the department) records,” Nkhumise said.
“The parent confronted the school’s principal to give her clarity, however, the principal claimed their application to have the school registered at the department was still pending.”
Nkumise said the school wanted to refund the parent an amount of R22 620 that was paid towards the child’s fees for the past two years.
A case of fraud was later opened at Pretoria Central SAPS and the police immediately proceeded to the school to effect the arrests.
Parents were urged to be more cautious and well-informed when registering their children at private schools. The following information can be utilised for inquiries call centre: 0800 202 933 or email info@dbe.gov.za.
They can also visit Sol Plaatje House, 222 Struben Street.
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