Johan Mandla Mathabela (62), who is an Assistant Director at the Mpumalanga Department of Education, Sibongile Linah Mathabela (40), and Gloria Mhlanga (54), appeared in the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court on Friday for theft, fraud and corruption after they were arrested following a Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation.
The Hawks’ investigation has revealed in the period 2015 to 2018, the Mathabelas (no relation) colluded and siphoned about R 300 000-00 from the Department, the money was transferred into an account held by a Masoyi based Valencia Day Care Centre owned by Linah Mathabela, the pair reportedly shared the ill-gotten funds.
The above amount was allegedly transferred on different dates by another official in the accounts section of the department, the said official who is a state accountant is yet to be arrested and arrangements have been made for her to appear in court on Monday as she is reportedly out of the province.
It is further alleged that Gloria Mhlanga colluded with the same state accountant resulting in about R 272 000-00, being transferred into Simunye Day Care Centre which is owned by Mhlanga. The Investigation has additionally established that both these day-care centres are not registered with the Department.