Mpumalanga – Thirty-eight accused persons linked to the alleged looting of R114 million in Department of Education funds disguised as emergency repair and service contracts have been granted a combined bail of R1 625 000.
The accused appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court over a three-day bail application from Monday, 23 February 2026 to Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the arrests were made on Sunday, 22 February 2026 in connection with alleged corruption involving government funds.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi said investigation findings indicated irregular tender practices.
“Investigation revealed that R114 million tender projects were awarded by the department. Some of the service providers were allegedly handpicked without following proper procedures,” Nkosi said.
Authorities allege that some service providers delivered substandard services, while others were paid for services not rendered.
#sapsHAWKS Mpumalanga: In a three-day long bail application involving 38 accused allegedly involved in the looting of the Department of Education funds disguised as emergency required services and repairs, that were arrested from 22 February 2026 were granted a combined bail of… pic.twitter.com/oTlcbZKmXH
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) February 25, 2026
“The service providers allegedly rendered substandard services, some were paid whilst no services were rendered, and some were allegedly paid more than once for services rendered,” the statement read.
The investigation further alleged that money was moved through multiple accounts after being paid to service providers.
“The money siphoned from the Department was then moved from service providers’ accounts to different accounts until it reached government officials.”
Bail decisions
The court granted bail in varying amounts depending on the accused.
A wheelchair-bound accused and two students were granted R5 000 bail each.
Three accused were granted R20 000 bail each.
One suspect was granted R30 000 bail.
Thirty-one accused were granted R50 000 bail each.
Nkosi said two of the accused are pastors among the group of service providers implicated in the matter.
All 38 accused are expected to return to court for their second appearance on 26 March 2026.
The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga commended investigators and prosecuting authorities.
“The Provincial Head … appreciated the hard work by the investigation team, National Prosecuting Authority and operational members that provided support during the entire court proceedings.”
Police also indicated that two remaining suspects will surrender to investigators through arrangements made with their legal representatives.
The case continues under investigation as authorities pursue further leads related to the alleged tender fraud.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
