Institutions that take proactive steps now to establish expectations, review policies, engage governance bodies, and educate campus communities will be better positioned to navigate this landscape and remain effective in an evolving technological landscape. Act now to clarify what is required versus recommended, strengthen oversight, and train stakeholders.
From Restriction to Responsibility: Managing AI on Campus
Many institutions are moving away from blanket prohibitions on AI and instead incorporating frameworks that emphasize responsible use, transparency, and accountability. Existing academic integrity policies often predate generative AI and may not clearly address when AI assistance is permissible, when disclosure is required, or how AI-related misconduct will be evaluated. As a result, institutions are increasingly revisiting policies and guidance to provide greater clarity…
THE ISUZU MOTORS PAYROLL FRAUD (GQEBERHA, SA)
Date: February 16, 2026 Perpetrator: Natasja Slabbert (42)
Case Description: In a case that hit home for the Eastern Cape business community, Natasja Slabbert, a payroll administrator at Isuzu Motors South Africa’s Struandale plant, was arrested for an alleged R10.5 million fraud. The scheme, which began surfacing in late 2024, exploited the very systems designed to manage employee compensation. Slabbert allegedly manipulated payroll records to create false entries that appeared as legitimate deductions and contributions on employee payslips. In reality, these “deductions” were being diverted into her personal bank account.
The fraud was only uncovered after diligent employees noticed that their net “take-home” pay was significantly lower than expected, despite the gross amounts on their payslips remaining high. Following a thorough probe by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team and the NPA’s Specialised Commercial Crime Unit, it was discovered that in August 2024 alone, over R626,000 was unlawfully transferred. Slabbert was granted bail of R5,000 on February 17, 2026, and the case has been postponed to later in the month for further legal proceedings. This case highlights the critical need for “segregation of duties” in payroll departments, as a single point of failure allowed for the systematic siphoning of millions over nearly two years.
Link to Original: PE Express – Isuzu Payroll Fraud