MPUMALANGA – Lufuno Ashley Rambani (44), Department of Higher Education Official, appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 12 December 2023 after he was arrested by the Hawks Nelspruit based Serious Corruption Investigation on Monday, 11 December 2023 in Pretoria on corruption charges. His arrest followed after investigation by the Hawks revealed that he bypassed systems and supplied the complainant with a Diploma Certificate.
It is alleged that during June 2023, the accused who is an employee at Department of Higher education was approached by his friend who is employed by Department of Home Affairs as an Immigration Officer – Doctor Frank Machavha (40), that he is requesting him to assist his friend`s wife to obtain her Diploma Certificate since she was applying for it without success.
The Home Affairs Official told the complainant that he knows someone who can assist to get his wife`s diploma quickly, but he has to pay R3500 gratification. The complaint became suspicious when money was needed because the wife studied for the diploma legitimately.
The matter was referred to the Hawks for further investigation. During investigation, it was established that the certificate was printed and intended to be handed over to the owner. The accused from the Department of Higher Education sent the diploma to his friend to hand it over to the lawful owner.
The matter was reported to the court, and the warrant of arrest was authorised and executed on 23 June 2023. The suspect handed over the diploma anticipating to receive money when he was arrested.
The accused appeared in court and was released on( R5000) bail. The case was postponed to 19 January 2024 for further investigation.
Investigation continued whereby a warrant of arrest was authorised and executed on the second accused on Monday, hence his court appearance on Tuesday, 12 December 2023.
The accused was also released on (R5000) bail, and the case was postponed to 19 January 2024 to be joined with the first accused.
Content retrieved from: https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=50218.