Young people who are determined to further their education after matriculating are being conned out of their scrupulously saved cash by fake colleges that are appearing all over the province.
In a joint press release the department of education and provincial police warned would-be students in the province against this.
Provincial police spokesperson, Brig Hangwani Mulaudzi said the police were seriously concerned over so-called further education and training colleges (FETs) that were mushrooming in Polokwane as well as other major towns of the province.
He added that they had also noticed a big increase in the circulation of pamphlets and posters advertising colleges and training opportunities.
“In view of this, the police, in conjunction with the department of education, will be monitoring the learner registration period and are also preparing to mount operations across the province targeted at bogus training institutions,” he said.
Provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Fannie Masemola announced that the police and education officials would build up special investigative teams with a view to closing down all fake colleges that might be operating or are about to operate in the province.
“As government we want to ensure that those who are running illegal colleges are apprehended and receive the harshest punishments.
“We are aware that the majority of applicants at legitimate universities and colleges may not be accepted and out of desperation, may fall victim to such bogus institutions.
“It must be noted that anyone arrested for running a bogus institution and found guilty of contravening the Further Education and Training Colleges Act of 2006 faces 10 years imprisonment or can be fined R250 000, or both,” he warned.
“We know some criminals want to prey on unsuspecting learners by promising them a brighter future when in fact they are destroying their lives.
“We will not allow this to happen.
“We will without fear double our efforts in uncovering these crooks,” Masemola said.
