Mpumalanga – The Hawks have arrested an additional 55-year-old woman in connection with an alleged R114 million tender fraud and corruption investigation involving the Mpumalanga Department of Education.
According to a statement issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the woman was arrested on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, following the execution of a warrant of arrest by members of the Middelburg and Nelspruit Serious Corruption Investigation.
The investigation relates to allegations of fraud, theft, corruption, money laundering and contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) involving approximately R114 million earmarked for emergency repairs and maintenance at schools in Mpumalanga.
The statement said: “The investigation, which has already resulted in the arrest of 40 suspects in February 2026, relates to allegations of fraud, theft, corruption, money laundering and contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) involving approximately R114 million earmarked for emergency repairs and maintenance at schools in Mpumalanga.”
The latest suspect allegedly received more than R1 million through transactions involving four service providers and her husband, who is also an accused in the broader case.
“The Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court issued a warrant of arrest against the latest suspect, who is alleged to have received more than R1 million through transactions involving four service providers and her husband, who is also an accused in the broader matter,” the statement said.
The woman faces a money-laundering charge and is expected to appear before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 15 October 2026.
The 40 suspects arrested in February included 21 directors of service-provider companies, 10 government officials and other individuals, including family members allegedly linked to the scheme.
The Hawks said the latest arrest represented further progress in tracing funds allegedly diverted from public resources intended to improve school infrastructure and the learning environment for learners in the province.
Possibilities of more arrests
The DPCI provincial head in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, reiterated the unit’s commitment to holding those implicated accountable.
The statement said Gerber reaffirmed that the Hawks were committed to “following the money, identifying all individuals who may have benefited from alleged criminal activities and ensuring that those implicated are brought before the courts to answer to the allegations against them”.
The remaining accused are expected to make their next court appearance on 1 December 2026, excluding one accused person who was released after investigations revealed that his credentials had allegedly been used without his knowledge.
The Hawks warned that further arrests remained possible, stating: “Possibilities of more arrests cannot be ruled out as investigation continues.”
The investigation is ongoing.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
