Zuko Komisa
- The Hawks have arrested 27 suspects, including nine officials and 14 contractors, for siphoning over (R100 million) from Mpumalanga’s Department of Basic Education.
- A multi-unit police operation launched on 22 February 2026 targeted an organised criminal network involving inflated contracts and payments for non-existent services.
- While teams pursue 14 remaining suspects, those already in custody are scheduled to appear at the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court today, 23 February 2026.
In a significant blow to provincial corruption, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) executed a coordinated “takedown” across Mpumalanga during the early hours of Sunday.
Supported by tactical and public order policing units, the raid targeted 41 suspects implicated in a sophisticated web of fraud, money laundering, and corruption.
To date, 27 individuals comprising senior government staff, private citizens, and service providers have been taken into custody.
The investigation suggests that the suspects systematically defrauded the Department of Basic Education through a series of illicit schemes.
These included the awarding of inflated contracts, the provision of sub-standard work, and charging for services that were never actually delivered. Authorities noted that this criminal activity effectively robbed local pupils of essential educational resources and funding.
The operation remains active as law enforcement continues to track the remaining 14 suspects identified in the ring.
Those already apprehended are expected to face the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court this Monday.
Officials have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that every individual involved in the network, particularly those in positions of public trust, is held fully accountable under the law.
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