LEHURUTSE — A financial clerk at Ramatu High School in Lehurutshe appeared briefly in the magistrates’ court after her arrest by the Hawks on allegations she misappropriated school funds totalling more than R244 000.
Arrest and charges
The accused, Kebafilwe Sylvia Mokgosi (32), was arrested by the Mmabatho-based Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team on prima facie evidence and was brought before the Lehurutshe Magistrates’ Court the same day. She faces ten counts of fraud and was granted bail of R1 000, on condition she returns to court on 28 September for a further appearance.
“Her arrest follows an investigation into allegations of misappropriating funds at the Ramatu High School in Lehurutshe between 2023 and 2024. The accused allegedly transferred over R244 000 from the school’s bank accounts into her personal bank account,”
Those details were provided by Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, the Hawks’ provincial spokesperson. Mathebula said the matter was postponed while investigators continue to probe the alleged fraud.
Context and recent precedent in the region
The arrest comes weeks after a Rustenburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court sentenced a former administration clerk at Sunrise View Primary School, Ofentse Solomon Molemane (37), to 12 years’ imprisonment following his conviction for defrauding his school of more than R1 million. Molemane was found guilty on 170 counts of fraud and will serve eight years in prison after four years were suspended on condition of good behaviour during the suspension period.
In that case, court papers showed the fraud had taken place between January 2019 and March 2020 and included falsifying records and misrepresenting financial transactions. Financial reports at school meetings eventually exposed the unauthorised transactions.
What the Hawks say and next steps
The Hawks confirmed their investigation into the Ramatu High matter remains ongoing. No additional details about how the alleged transfers were discovered, whether internal controls at the school were bypassed, or if any recovery of funds has taken place were provided.
The case has been remanded to allow investigators time to complete their enquiries and for state routing of evidence in preparation for trial. Mokgosi will reappear at the Lehurutshe Magistrates’ Court on 28 September.
- Accused: Kebafilwe Sylvia Mokgosi (32)
- Charges: 10 counts of fraud
- Alleged loss: Over R244 000
- Bail: R1 000
- Next court date: 28 September
Implications for schools and communities
Allegations of financial misconduct at schools carry direct consequences for teaching and learning. Funds intended for learners’ needs, school maintenance and extracurricular activities are strained when money is diverted, and rebuilding trust between school governing bodies (SGBs), parents and finance staff can be difficult and time-consuming.
While this report does not speculate on motive or guilt, the Hawks’ action underscores the role of law enforcement and specialised commercial crime units in responding to suspected theft from state-funded institutions. The recent conviction in the Rustenburg case is likely to increase scrutiny of school financial management across the district.
Practical information for parents and SGBs
School governing bodies and parent committees are advised to review financial controls, including:
- regular independent reconciliations of bank statements;
- segregation of duties so one person does not control receipts and payments;
- strict documentation and authorisation procedures for electronic transfers;
- prompt calling of review meetings when irregularities appear in financial reports.
Where fraud is suspected, SGBs should report the matter swiftly to the school circuit office and, where appropriate, to SAPS or the Hawks for criminal investigation.
The Hawks’ continued investigation will determine whether additional charges are laid or whether more persons are implicated. No plea has been entered and the accused remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
