HAWKS ARREST WOMAN IN R114 MILLION MPUMALANGA EDUCATION TENDER SCANDAL

The Hawks have arrested another suspect in an alleged R114 million corruption and money-laundering scandal involving the Mpumalanga Department of Education.

The 55-year-old woman was arrested on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, following the execution of a warrant of arrest by the Hawks’ Middelburg and Nelspruit Serious Corruption Investigation teams.

The investigation centres on allegations of fraud, theft, corruption and money laundering involving funds allocated for emergency repairs and maintenance at schools across the province. The case also involves alleged contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

The latest arrest follows an operation in February 2026, during which 40 suspects were arrested, including 21 directors of service-provider companies, 10 government officials and other individuals allegedly linked to the scheme.

According to the investigation, the latest suspect allegedly received more than R1 million through transactions involving four service providers and her husband, who is also an accused in the case.

She faces a charge of money laundering and is expected to appear before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 15 October 2026.

The remaining accused are expected to return to court on 1 December 2026, except for one individual who was released after investigations revealed that his credentials had allegedly been used without his knowledge.

The Hawks say the investigation is ongoing as they continue tracing funds suspected of having been diverted from public resources intended to improve school infrastructure and the learning environment for learners in Mpumalanga.

The DPCI Provincial Head in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, reaffirmed the Hawks’ commitment to following the money, identifying everyone who may have benefited from the alleged criminal activities and ensuring that those implicated face the courts.

The Hawks have not ruled out further arrests as investigations continue.