The Hawks have arrested a school principal and an education department circuit manager for their alleged involvement in selling teaching posts. The incident has shocked the Ventersdorp community, highlighting deep-rooted issues of corruption within the education sector.
The suspects, Principal Lydia Masiu, 53, and Petrus Mokobe, 63, a high-ranking education department official, appeared in the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. They are facing five counts of corruption related to the illegal sale of teaching positions for R15,000 each.
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North West Hawks spokesperson Lt-Col Tinyiko Mathebula stated that the serious corruption investigation teams based in Klerksdorp and Ventersdorp were instrumental in the arrests made on Monday.
Mathebula confirmed that their investigation revealed both Masiu and Mokobe had solicited gratification from complainants in exchange for teaching posts. Payments were reportedly made in instalments of R15,000.
Masiu and Mokobe have been released on R8,000 bail each, with the case postponed to September 6 for further investigation. The head of the North West Hawks, Maj-Gen Patrick Mbotho, and the provincial head of prosecutions, Rachel Makhari, expressed their approval of the thorough work conducted by the investigation and prosecution teams.
They have committed to continuing their collaborative efforts in combating corruption in the North West.
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This case underscores the pervasive issue of corruption within educational institutions and serves as a stern reminder of the need for integrity and transparency in the appointment of teaching staff.
The commitment shown by the authorities in pursuing this case indicates a promising step towards eradicating such corrupt practices.
As this case progresses, it will be crucial to observe the outcomes of the investigations and the measures taken to prevent future occurrences. The public’s confidence in the education system relies heavily on the transparency and accountability of those in positions of power.
