Police arrest man in matric results leak case
The leaked results were allegedly published on a website run by a Johannesburg-based company called Edumarks.
Police have arrested a 21-year-old man on suspicion that he leaked the matric results.
The National Department of Education opened a case at Pretoria Central police station on January 12 after the results were published on a website run by a Johannesburg-based company called Edumarks, ahead of the official release date.
The company reportedly charged matrics R99.90 for access to their full results, including subjects and percentages.
Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale said the case was transferred to the unit for further investigation.
JUST IN: @Siviwe_G @DBE_SA says the Hawks have been brought in to investigate the leak.@SAPoliceService https://t.co/7Kk3tSK000
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) January 13, 2025
“The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) has made significant progress in this case.”
Mogale said the investigation led to a residence in Hillcrest, north of Johannesburg, where a search warrant was executed on January 16.
She confirmed that the young man, along with his parents, was home when the authorities arrived.
“During this search, various electronic gadgets were seized, along with an unlicensed shotgun containing live ammunition.”
Mogale said the suspect will face charges for unlawful possession of a firearm, while investigations into the matric result leak continue.
During a media briefing on Monday, Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube addressed concerns regarding the credibility of the 2024 matric results.
She assured the public that the leak would not undermine the integrity of the results.
“This had nothing to do with the backend capturing and calculating of the result,” Gwarube stated.
“We need to figure out whether the breach happened during data sharing or if it originated from the Gauteng Department of Education’s side.”
She warned that if the leak resulted from internal misconduct, “harsh consequences would be faced”.
The investigation remains active as authorities aim to uncover the full extent of this cybercrime incident.
Minister of @DBE_SA @Siviwe_G says the Hawks and State Security have been brought in to investigate the matric exam result breach.
A Joburg company started selling the results for R100 at the weekend.
The Minister says possible involvement of officials and/or cyber crime breach… https://t.co/nXND5ZXQVs
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) January 13, 2025
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