In a significant crackdown on public sector corruption, the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) team arrested a 29-year-old government official, Philela Angela Tafeni, on charges of fraud, forgery, and uttering on 22 October 2025.
The arrest is the culmination of a meticulous investigation triggered by a tip-off earlier this year regarding fraudulent qualifications within the Eastern Cape Department of Transport’s Scholar Transport Division.
According to the Hawks, the investigation revealed that Tafeni allegedly secured her employment by submitting a fraudulent Grade 12 certificate. It is alleged that she never actually completed her matriculation.
The scheme began in July 2015 when Tafeni applied for a one-year contract position as a data capturer. Following the completion of her contract, she was permanently absorbed into the department on 21 June 2016.
The fraudulent activity came to light in January 2025 when the Hawks received information alleging an employee had used a bogus matric certificate to obtain a post. A criminal docket was opened and an in-depth investigation was launched.
The probe confirmed the allegations, revealing that Tafeni’s misrepresentation allowed her to unlawfully receive a total remuneration of R2,048,169.00 from 01 July 2016 until 01 April 2025, causing substantial financial prejudice to the state.
On 22 October, the investigating team executed a warrant of arrest at Tafeni’s residence in East London. She was promptly charged and appeared before the Qonce Magistrates’ Court on the same day.
The court released Tafeni on R3,000 bail. The case has been postponed to 31 October 2025 for transfer to the Regional Court, where the matter will be heard.
