A 24-year-old former Student Representative Council (SRC) member of the Rustenburg Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College was arrested here on Wednesday, 03 December 2025, in connection with the alleged misappropriation of student allowances.
The arrest was effected by members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks. The investigating team belongs to the Serious Economic Offences Section based at the Hawks’ Headquarters in Pretoria.
According to allegations, the scheme took place during the 2023 academic year. First-year students funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) reportedly approached the suspect for assistance in accessing their living allowances. At the time, she held a position on the SRC, which had granted her prior access to the college’s student Tenet accounts.
It is alleged that the former SRC member used this access to log into the students’ accounts without authorisation. She is further accused of subsequently withdrawing funds at various retail stores. Authorities state that she would then explain to the students how to access their allowances only after the money had already been misappropriated.
The Hawks’ investigation reveals that a total of R14,000 was unlawfully withdrawn from the accounts of seven affected students.
A case docket was initially registered with the South African Police Service before being handed over to the Hawks for further investigation. This probe culminated in the suspect’s arrest.
The accused is scheduled to make her first appearance before the Rustenburg Magistrates Court on Thursday, 04 December 2025, to face charges related to the alleged fraud.