Bogus ‘teacher’ applying for SACE arrested with fake qualification

A bogus ‘applicant’ was arrested at the South African Council for Educators (SACE) headquarters in Centurion Gauteng Province for presenting a fake certificate and transcript on Monday,12 June 2023.

BOGUS TEACHER BEHIND BARS FOR FRAUD

The 41-year-old bogus female applicant, residing within the Gauteng Province was arrested by the Lyttleton police officers after attempting to apply for a Professional Registration Certificate with a fake Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE Certificate).

“One police officer confirmed that the female applicant will be taken into custody. The process of investigation will commence on the submission of fraudulent qualifications and will be expected to appear in court soon,” said SACE Media liaison Risuna Nkuna.

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MORE ARRESTS MADE AFTER SACE TIP-OFF

According to SACE Registration Head, Yvonne Lechaba, many arrests are made of “bogus” applicants, who present fake qualifications.

“These fraudsters are working closely with syndicates that assist them in producing these fake- qualifications.”

Lechaba

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In a separate incident, another applicant, who was in the process of acquiring a Professional Registration Certificate, was also arrested for a similar offence in the Eastern Cape Provincial Office, after submitting a fake diploma teaching qualification. The bogus applicant was taken into police custody also.

TEACHER WITH FAKE QUALIFICATION WARNED

“SACE warns people who have fake qualifications or are in the process of getting one to never come anywhere near SACE premises or schools because there are measures in place and they will be arrested on the spot,” Nkuna warned.

“Council is working collectively with the South African Police Services (SAPS) and other partners in apprehending all scammers. A process of vetting is in place to ensure that all documents submitted by applicants are authentic,” she added.

The public is urged to report bogus teachers to SACE or the police.

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