Two former Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) employees and an accomplice who defrauded the department of millions through a ghost employee scheme will appear for sentencing at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court today and tomorrow.
The scheme, uncovered through an internal risk investigation, involved seven officials from the Gauteng West District Office’s Human Resources Unit and siphoned approximately R3.8 million.
GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that two of the former employees and an external accomplice, a relative of one of them, face multiple charges, including fraud, forgery, and theft.
“The accused stand charged with fraud, forgery and theft after their role in the ghost employee scheme was exposed,” Mabona said.
The matter dates back to 2016, when a criminal case was first opened, ultimately leading to the arrests of the two former employees and their accomplice.
Mabona added that the investigation implicated five additional employees, all of whom were dismissed following an internal disciplinary process, bringing the total number of staff fired over the scheme to seven.
“These dismissals were challenged at the Public Service Sectoral Bargaining Council, but the department successfully defended its actions in both the Labour Court and the Labour Appeal Court, with the decision upheld in January 2025,” he added.
On 23 May, the Johannesburg Commercial Crimes Court at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court found the three accused guilty on multiple counts, including fraud, forgery, and theft.
The department has since strengthened its internal controls and risk management systems to prevent and detect unethical conduct, while promoting accountability across offices and schools.
GDE MEC Matome Chiloane welcomed the verdict and reaffirmed the department’s zero tolerance for corruption.
“This case demonstrates our commitment to protecting public funds and upholding integrity. We initiated the investigation, took decisive disciplinary action and ensured justice was served. It should also serve as a deterrent for anyone considering criminal activity in our sector,” he said.
The Star