This week, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in Mpumalanga executed a successful takedown of 40 suspects linked to siphoning millions of rands from the Department of Education in Mpumalanga.
Since Sunday, 22 February 2026, the Hawks targeted 40 suspects allegedly involved in the looting of education funds disguised as emergency-required services and repairs.
Initially, 38 suspects were arrested, and they appeared in Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court from Monday to Wednesday. The accused included senior government officials, service providers, and individuals.
Hawks Mpumalanga spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi said investigations revealed that R114 million tender projects were awarded by the department.
Hawks arrest 40 suspects linked to emergency tender
Some of the service providers, however, were allegedly handpicked without following proper procedures.
“The service providers allegedly rendered substandard services; some were paid whilst no services were rendered, and some were allegedly paid more than once for services rendered,” Nkosi said on Wednesday.
“The money siphoned from the department was then moved from service providers’ accounts to different accounts until it reached government officials.”
Two of the service providers are pastors.
ALSO READ: Education department, police investigating alleged sexual assault of 9-year-old by teen
Following a three-day bail application, the court granted bail to the 38 suspects, totalling R1 625 000, on Wednesday.
A wheelchair-bound accused and two of the three students were granted R5 000 bail each.
Three accused were granted R20 000 bail each; one suspect was granted R30 000 bail; and 31 accused were granted R50 000 bail each.
“The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga appreciated the hard work by the investigation team, the National Prosecuting Authority, and operational members who provided support during the entire court proceedings,” Nkosi added.
All 40 suspects granted bail
Two more suspects made arrangements with their legal representatives to hand themselves over to the investigating officer.
The Hawks confirmed on Friday that the two suspects, who were out of the country, handed themselves to authorities on Thursday and Friday.
They both appeared in court on Thursday and Friday and were both granted R50 000 bail each.
All 40 accused will make their second court appearance on 26 March 2026.
NOW READ: Ramaphosa optimistic about education in SA, despite challenges
About the Author
