Education official in hot water after allegedly soliciting R5,000 bribe from teacher under investigation
The Schweizer-Reneke Magistrate’s Court in North West released 38-year-old Matthews Kujane on R1,000 bail after he was arrested on charges of corruption.
Kujane appeared in court after his arrest last week in Schweizer-Reneke. He was nabbed by members of the provincial anti-corruption investigation unit.
“As the labour relations officer at the Department of Education, Kujane allegedly called and set up an appointment with an educator whom he was investigating for an alleged misconduct,” said North West provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone.
According to the information received by police, the educator and her sister met with Kujane on October 25.
“The accused (Kujane) introduced himself as the investigating officer of the alleged misconduct (case) against the educator. Furthermore, he apparently requested an offer from the educator in order for him to get rid of the matter,” said Mokgwabone.
During the interaction, the teacher allegedly offered a bribe of R5,000 which was accepted by Kujane.
“Unbeknown to Kujane, the educator blew the whistle by reporting the matter to the anti-corruption investigation unit. Through a prosecution-led investigation, the accused was arrested during an undercover operation,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, provincial police commissioner in North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena has lauded the anti-corruption investigation unit officers and all role players for their collaboration in effecting the arrest.
Kwena added that the arrest “will serve as an indication that corruption will not be tolerated”.
Earlier on Tuesday, IOL reported that the provincial commercial crime investigation unit in North West arrested 41-year-old Teboho Johannes Motse for uttering and contravention of the Legal Practice Act.
Mokgwabone alleged that Motse deceived the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development by presenting himself as an attorney and appeared at various courtrooms at Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane.
Motse allegedly represented various clients in civil and criminal matters.
“He allegedly did this knowing that he is not an admitted attorney. A case was registered in July 2023, for investigation and the accused was consequently arrested and appeared in the Bafokeng Magistrates' Court on Friday, November 8 2024,” said Mokgwabone.
Motse was remanded in custody until Thursday, for further investigations.
IOL