Scorpions nab teachers 'for R2,9m fraud'

Three Umlazi teachers have been arrested in connection with fraud totalling R2,9-million in one of the biggest scams against the KwaZulu-Natal department of education. And Scorpions' investigators are separately probing massive fraud within the department, possibly involving senior officials. However, the department won't disclose any information for fear of jeopardising the case.

In the first breakthrough, it has emerged that the salaries of more than 400 teachers were diverted into bank accounts allegedly set up by the three teachers, who were arrested last week by members of the Durban commercial crime unit. Zibuyile Winifreder Shezi, 36, of Ingilosi Primary School, Bhekinkosi Mitchel Shezi, 40, of Zwelesethembiso CP School, and Buyisiwe Theodora Zoe Sithole, 43, of Ingilosi JP School will appear in court again on Friday when they are expected to submit a formal bail application.Police Superintendent Vish Naidoo said more arrests were expected.

It is alleged the teachers were assisted by officials of the education department's Durban South region. "During the first three months of last year, the three accused allegedly changed or had the banking details of other educators changed and their (other educators') salaries were deposited into the (new) accounts," Naidoo said. The investigation had taken a long time because of the complexities of fraud cases, he added.

The teachers were arrested at their schools on January 23 by Det Insp Vincent Cele and colleagues of the Durban commercial crime unit. The teachers appeared in the Durban Magistrate's Court the next day and have been remanded in custody until Friday. "We are investigating the possibility that a person or persons with access to the personnel administration computer system assisted in the execution of this crime and appeal to anyone who can assist us with information in this regard to contact Detective Inspector Cele at 031 332 2534, on extension 2327," Naidoo said. Durban South education officials were unaware of the arrests yesterday, although administration director Richard Mlangeni said investigations by auditors were ongoing.

Education department spokesperson Mandla Msibi said more cases of fraud and corruption were being investigated as part of a concerted effort to root out the problem. "Perpetrators of fraud and corruption should know that we are out to get them because we are determined to run a clean department," Msibi said. Regarding the Scorpions' probe, which involves more than one employee and "a lot of money", he said investigations were at a "sensitive stage".

Source: IoL