The Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a North West Department of Education employee to three years imprisonment or R20 000 fine for fraud.

The 40 -year old Olebogeng Modikoe allegedly created two ghost employees on the system in 2023.

Modikoe, as a Principal Human Resource Officer, allegedly gave them a three-month contract.

The said employees reportedly received remuneration amounting to R150 000.

Investigations conducted by the Hawks revealed that the salaries were paid into the bank accounts of two accused persons, whose matter is still before court.

Following an investigation, Modikoe and his co-accused were arrested in March last year.

Modikoe made several court appearances until he entered into a plea and sentencing agreement with the state.