Fake Mangaung Metro Official Busted: Free State Man In Court Over ‘Bursary For Cash’ Scam

A 27-year-old Free State man has appeared in court after allegedly pretending to be a Mangaung Metro official and charging fees to “secure” government bursaries.

Vuyani Gibson Mpasie briefly appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on charges of corruption and extortion.

Hawks Crack Down on Alleged Mangaung Metro Bursary Scam

According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, Mpasie allegedly posed as a donor who could influence the approval of government bursaries — for a price.

Provincial Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli said detectives from the Serious Corruption Investigation unit received information on 5 February about a man presenting himself as a Mangaung Metro official.

“He was promising to facilitate the approval of bursary applications at a fee. This information was operationalised, culminating in the suspect’s arrest on February 11, 2026,” Mohobeleli said.

Public Urged to Report Victims of Government Bursary Fraud

The Hawks have appealed to members of the public who may have been targeted or defrauded to come forward.

“We appeal to anyone who might have fallen victim to the scam to call Hawks detectives at 082 584 4043,” Mohobeleli said.

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Provincial head of the Hawks, Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, expressed concern over the alleged scheme and issued a clear warning. “Government bursaries were not for sale”.

Mpasie is expected to return to court on Monday, 16 February, where he is scheduled to apply for bail.

Authorities have reiterated that government bursaries are awarded through official processes and urged the public to remain vigilant against individuals claiming to fast-track approvals in exchange for payment.