According to the department the initial indications are that the paper became available in the early parts of Monday morning, hours before the paper could be written.

The origins of the leak are not clear as year.

The matric candidates who had access to the question paper appear to be located in Limpopo and Gauteng.

“The Department of Basic Education is investigating the matter to establish the extent of the leak. Early sources point to the confinement of the leakage to a few learners located in these two provinces,” the department said.

The investigating team is gathering evidence and a report will be submitted shortly. The department will enlist the support of the Law Enforcement Agencies to assist with the investigation.