Olebogeng Modikoe (40), an employee of the North West Department of Education, was sentenced to three years imprisonment or a R20,000 fine by the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 20 June 2025, after being found guilty of fraud.
Modikoe, who served as a Principal Human Resource Officer, allegedly created two ghost employees in the system in 2023 and awarded them three-month contracts. These fictitious employees reportedly received remuneration totaling R150,000.
An investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit revealed that the salaries were deposited into the bank accounts of two other accused individuals, whose case is still pending in court. Following the probe, Modikoe and his co-accused were arrested in March 2024.
After multiple court appearances, Modikoe entered into a plea and sentencing agreement with the State. He was convicted on two counts of fraud, resulting in a sentence of three years imprisonment or a R20,000 fine. Additionally, he received a two-year prison term or a R10,000 fine on two counts of money laundering.
