EAST LONDON – A 29-year-old government employee has been arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team for allegedly defrauding the Eastern Cape Department of Transport of over R2 million using a fraudulent matric certificate.
Philela Angela Tafeni appeared before the Qonce Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 22 October, where she was released on R3,000 bail after being charged with fraud and forgery.
According to the Hawks investigation, Tafeni applied for a data capture position at the Eastern Cape Department of Transport’s Scholar Transport Division in July 2015, submitting what investigators now confirm was a bogus matric certificate. Despite allegedly never completing Grade 12, she secured a one-year contract position.
Tafeni was later absorbed as a permanent staff member, setting the stage for years of unlawful financial benefit.
In January, the Hawks launched an investigation after receiving a tip-off that an employee used fraudulent qualifications.
“A meticulous investigation by the Hawks confirmed the allegations,” said Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana.
Between 1 July 2016 and 1 April 2025, Tafeni allegedly received total remuneration amounting to R2,048,169.00 – money she was not lawfully entitled to due to her misrepresentation of qualifications.
Armed with this information, the Hawks investigating team executed a warrant of arrest at Tafeni’s East London residence on 22 October. She has since been formally charged and appeared in court the same day.
The matter has been postponed to 31 October for transfer to the Regional Court, where the case is expected to proceed.
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