LIBODE – A teacher from Corana Junior Secondary School in Libode, near Mthatha, has been sentenced to eight years’ direct imprisonment without the option of a fine for fraud, forgery and uttering.

Lunga Nkrumah Sivuku (45) was sentenced by the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 13 October after pleading guilty to the charges, which relate to the fraudulent use of educational qualifications.

Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said the case originated in 2020, when the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation Unit in Komani received information regarding allegations that Sivuku had allegedly fraudulently obtained and used a Bachelor of Education degree.

“The information prompted an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the fraudulent qualifications and their use in connection with his employment,” said Mhlakuvana.

“Following an intensive investigation, Sivuku was arrested on 20 March 2023 at his residence in Corana Village. He subsequently appeared in court to face the charges and was released on bail of R2,000.”

He added that the matter proceeded through several court appearances before he ultimately pleaded guilty to the charges of fraud, forgery and uttering.

ALSO READ: Company director in court over multi-million rand fraud