Tebogo Msimanga |
An Assistant Director at the Mpumalanga Department of Education, Johan Mandla Mathabela (62), Sibongile Linah Mathabela (40), and Gloria Mhlanga (54), appeared in the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court on Friday for theft, fraud and corruption. They were arrested following a Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation.
Captain Lloyd Ramovha said the Hawks’ investigation revealed that between 2015 and 2018, the Mathabelas (no relation) colluded and siphoned about R 300 000 from the Department. The money was transferred into an account held by a Masoyi based Valencia Day Care Centre owned by Linah Mathabela. The pair reportedly shared the funds.
“The above amount was allegedly transferred on different dates by another official in the accounts section of the department. The said official who is a state accountant is yet to be arrested and arrangements have been made for her to appear in court on Monday as she is reportedly out of the province.”added Ramovha.
It is further alleged that Gloria Mhlanga colluded with the same state accountant resulting in about R 272 000, being transferred into Simunye Day Care Centre which is owned by Mhlanga. The Investigation has additionally established that both these day-care centres are not registered with the Department.
