R114 Million Education Scandal: 38 Accused, Including Pastors, Granted R1.6m Bail

Thirty-eight accused implicated in an alleged R114 million corruption scandal within the Mpumalanga Department of Education have been granted combined bail of R1,625,000.

The accused — which include senior government officials, service providers, private individuals, and two pastors — appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court over a three-day bail application.

Arrests and Allegations In Education Scandal

According to Hawks provincial spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, the suspects were arrested from Sunday, 22 February 2026, and appeared in court from Monday through Wednesday.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) allege that tenders worth R114 million were awarded under the guise of emergency-required services and repairs.

Investigations revealed that:

• Some service providers were allegedly handpicked without proper procurement processes.
• Certain contractors reportedly delivered substandard services.
• Some companies were allegedly paid despite not performing any work.
• In some cases, service providers were allegedly paid more than once for the same services.

Authorities further claim that funds siphoned from the department were transferred through multiple bank accounts before allegedly reaching government officials.

Bail Breakdown

The total bail granted amounts to R1,625,000, structured as follows:

• One wheelchair-bound accused and two of the three students: R5,000 each
• Three accused: R20,000 each
• One accused: R30,000
• Thirty-one accused: R50,000 each

Two of the accused service providers are pastors.

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The provincial head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Nico Gerber, commended the investigative team.

“We appreciate the hard work of the investigation team, the National Prosecuting Authority and operational members who provided support during the entire court proceedings,” he said.

All 38 accused are expected to return to court on 26 March 2026.

The remaining two suspects are expected to hand themselves over to the investigating officer, as arranged with their legal representatives.

The case continues.