The Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court has granted bail totaling R1.625 million to 38 individuals arrested for their alleged involvement in a large-scale looting scheme that siphoned funds from the Department of Education.
The accused, who were arrested on Sunday, 22 February 2026, include senior government officials, service providers, and private individuals. Their bail application proceedings spanned three days, from Monday, 23 February, to Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
Court documents and investigations reveal that the accused are linked to the misappropriation of funds meant for emergency services and repairs. The probe uncovered that tender projects valued at R114 million were awarded by the department. It is alleged that procurement protocols were violated, with some service providers being handpicked without following proper tender processes.
According to the investigation, the scheme involved service providers delivering substandard work, receiving payment for services never rendered, and, in some cases, being paid multiple times for the same work. Funds were then allegedly funneled through various accounts belonging to the service providers before ultimately reaching government officials.
The court granted bail under varying conditions, with amounts differing based on the accused’s alleged role and circumstances:
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One wheelchair-bound accused was granted R5,000 bail.
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Two of the three students implicated in the case were also granted R5,000 bail each.
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Three accused individuals were granted R20,000 bail each.
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One suspect was granted R30,000 bail.
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The remaining 31 accused were granted bail set at R50,000 each.
Among the service providers implicated in the alleged fraud are two pastors.
All 38 accused are scheduled to make their next appearance in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on 26 March 2026.