WCED investigates 35 fraud and misuse of funds cases

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has confirmed that they have investigated 35 cases of fraud and misuse of funds for the year of 2025.

SAPS and the department has confirmed that a fresh case of fraud was being probed regarding allegations against an employee at Hexvallei Senior Secondary in De Doorns, who is also facing a charge of assault of a learner.

The department also confirmed that a case of fraud against a former bursar at JG Meiring School had been finalised after she was found guilty following a disciplinary hearing in 2022, while education watchdogs have challenged this, claiming the woman had been transferred to another school.

Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed the case against the staff member at Hexvallei SS. The Cape Argus will not be identifying the employee in order to protect his identity, as he has not been formally charged.

“The mentioned case number refers to a fraud case registered at De Doorns SAPS for investigation. According to reports, the incident happened on December 18," Van Wyk said. “Investigations continue; no arrests yet.”

Bronagh Hammond, Director of Communication for the WCED, said that in the Hexvallei SS matter, they were investigating the latest claims and that the employee faced disciplinary action for the alleged assault." The disciplinary hearing of the employee at Hexvallei Secondary School regarding the assault allegation is ongoing, with the hearing set to continue later this month following the December holidays.

"The WCED has received allegations regarding financial mismanagement, which is being investigated.

She also revealed that 35 cases of fraud and misuse of funds were investigated last year.

Vanessa Le Roux, founder of Parents for Equal Education, questioned fraud cases within the school system, explaining that a criminal case had been opened for Hexvallei SS, relating to apparent financial mismanagement.

“Over 10 payments of R1900, plus two transactions of R270 and one over R800, were made to an individual—raising the question of how often one water pipe could break,” she added. “The payments were made by this person, who is now in regional court for assaulting a learner. A perpetrator should be removed from the vicinity of victims and witnesses. This mother has repeatedly expressed that her child is being victimised. The victimisation isn't always direct; a screenshot revealed an educator admitting the staff member requested him to gather information on the learner (a witness). Despite all this, they have kept this person employed.”

She added she was also concerned about learner transport contracts at the school.

At JG Meiring, Hammond said the matter had been completed and a guilty verdict made after an internal process.

“This case has long since been finalised. Following an investigation into the allegations, the employee was found guilty in a disciplinary hearing in 2022, and a sanction of dismissal was imposed,” Hammond detailed. 

Le Roux disputed this, claiming she was in possession of letters where the woman had been transferred to another school. “According to a letter, she started at another school (name withheld) on February 15, 2021. Another letter confirming her transfer was approved. She was immediately transferred when the SGB realised what happened.”

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