A 45-year-old former Eastern Cape teacher has been sentenced to eight years’ direct imprisonment after pleading guilty to fraud, forgery and uttering charges linked to the fraudulent use of educational qualifications.
Lunga Nkrumah Sivuku was sentenced by the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday.
In a statement issued by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, it was said that case dates back to 2020, when the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit in Komani received information alleging that Sivuku, who was employed as a teacher at Corana Junior School, had fraudulently obtained and used a Bachelor of Education degree.
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said that, after receiving the information, an investigation was launched into the circumstances surrounding the alleged fraudulent qualifications and their use to secure or maintain employment in the education sector.
"Following an intensive investigation, Sivuku was arrested on March 20, 2023, at his residence in Corana Village. Sivuku subsequently appeared in court to face his charges where he was released on bail of R2,000," said Mhlakuvana.
Mhlakuvana said the matter proceeded through several court appearances before Sivuku ultimately pleaded guilty to the charges of fraud, forgery, and uttering.
He was sentenced to eight years’ direct imprisonment without the option of a fine.
IOL News