Lunga Nkrumah Sivuku, 45, was sentenced to eight years’ direct imprisonment by the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 14 October 2026, after pleading guilty to charges of fraud, forgery and uttering related to the use of false educational qualifications.
The case against Sivuku dates back to 2020 when the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit in Komani received information alleging that he had fraudulently obtained and used a Bachelor of Education degree to secure employment in the education sector. This led to an investigation focused on his employment at Corana Junior School near Mthatha.
Sivuku was arrested at his home in Corana village on 20 March 2023 and subsequently released on R2,000 bail. Following several court appearances, he admitted guilt, according to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana.
“After receiving the information, an investigation was launched into the circumstances surrounding the alleged fraudulent qualifications and their use to secure or maintain employment in the education sector,” Mhlakuvana said during a media briefing.
The Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, a recognised court within the Eastern Cape regional division which handles commercial crime cases, imposed the sentence based on the evidence presented.
This conviction underscores ongoing efforts to tackle corruption and fraud within the education system, a sector vital to the country’s development. The use of fraudulent qualifications not only undermines the integrity of the education profession but also impacts learners and communities that rely on qualified teachers.
While the exact weekday of the sentencing remains unclear due to conflicting reports, the date and facts of the sentence itself are consistent across independent sources. Details regarding the precise name of Sivuku’s school vary slightly between Corana Junior School and Corana Junior Secondary School, but both reports agree on the location near Mthatha.
The court case highlights the importance of vigilance in verifying credentials in public service positions. The Hawks continue investigations into similar cases to ensure accountability.
Cape Flats News will monitor for any further developments or appeals related to this case.