Two women have been arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, for involvement in fraudulent activities related to falsification of matric certificates.
Gauteng spokesperson for the Hawks, Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramovha said the arrest of the women highlights the law enforcement agency’s “relentless drive” to uphold justice and maintain the integrity of South Africa’s education system.
“The arrest occurred on Thursday, March 20, 2025, after an alert police officer observed suspicious behavior at an internet café in central Johannesburg,” said Ramovha.
“The suspects, aged 24 and 31, were found editing a matric certificate issued in 2014, altering the academic results to misrepresent qualifications.”
Ramovha said electronic devices used in the crime, including a computer and a mobile phone, have been seized for further investigation.
Meanwhile, provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, has welcomed the arrest of the two women.
“Crimes like these undermine the credibility of our education system and the hard work of countless South Africans. We will not tolerate such deceit and will ensure that justice is served,” said Kadwa.
“The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any fraudulent activities to the authorities to aid in the fight against crime.”
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In another case, IOL reported on Monday that the High Court in Pretoria has granted a forfeiture order for a Gauteng plot, valued at R740,000 after the Hawks, unearthed gold processing activities on the piece of land.
Ramovha said in September 2023, members of the Hawks serious organised crime investigation based at Vaalrand successfully executed a search and seizure warrant at a plot in Barbuda Street, Elandsfontein, in Walkerville.
“Upon arrival at the premises, gold-bearing soil was discovered being processed by seven individuals, five of them identified as Zimbabwean nationals. They were found operating at the back of the property, utilising wheelbarrows to transfer soil inside one of the three buildings for gold concentration processing,” said Ramovha.
The suspects were arrested and detained for contravening the Precious Metals Act.
Following the September 2023 operation, the matter was referred to the Hawks priority crime specialised investigation unit for further investigation and asset forfeiture proceedings.
IOL