R3 million ghost employee fraud: Gauteng Education says 'zero tolerance for corruption'
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has welcomed the sentencing of two former employees and an accomplice convicted of defrauding the department through a ghost employee scheme that siphoned off around R3 million.
The Johannesburg Commercial Crimes Court, sitting at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, sentenced one former employee to 10 years in prison, with four years suspended which will run concurrently. This means he will spend six years in prison.
Another was handed eight years’ imprisonment, while the external accomplice received a three-year sentence, suspended for five years.
According to GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona, the convictions stemmed from an internal risk investigation that exposed irregular activity within the Gauteng West District Office.
“The scheme defrauded the Department of approximately R3 million by creating and processing payments for non-existent employees,” Mabona said.
He praised the collaborative effort that led to the successful prosecution.
“We commend the diligent work of our internal Risk Management officials who exposed the scheme, as well as the dedicated efforts of the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies whose investigations ensured accountability.”
The department reiterated its commitment to rooting out corruption. “This outcome reaffirms the Department’s zero tolerance for fraud and corruption,” Mabona said.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane also welcomed the court’s ruling, saying the department will continue to strengthen internal controls and foster a culture of accountability.
IOL News