Limpopo educator sentenced for fraud

LIMPOPO

A Limpopo educator, Mmakolobe Martha Ramashala (45), pleaded guilty for defrauding the Department of Education on April 5. The teacher
defrauded the department an amount of R918 000.
She was handed a sentence of a R100 000 fine or five years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years by the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
“During April 2012, the Polokwane based Specialised Investigation Unit (SIU) received a proclamation for the investigation of serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of unlawful conduct by the official of the Department of Education.
“Between April 2010 and August 2012, Ramashala acted on the capacity of a director of her own company and rendered service to the department. As a result she received payment amounting to over R980 000-00 without authority or disclosing to do remunerative working outside of public service,” revealed Limpopo SAPS spokesman Warrant officer Lethunya Mmuroa.
He said the matter was transferred to the Polokwane based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Investigation for further investigations. Ramashala was traced issued with summons to appear before court.
“The matter was investigated thoroughly until the accused pleaded guilty on ten counts of fraud and sentenced. “