Crackdown on fake certificates nabs 11 suspects

In the past half-year, 11 individuals were arrested in the police’s crackdown on fake certificates This revelation came from Mafu Rakometsi, Umalusi CEO, during a recent press briefing.

Rakometsi, addressing a media gathering on Monday, stated, “Since the State of Readiness Media Briefing on 13 October 2023, where we detailed the measures taken to ensure the authenticity of Umalusi certificates, the South African Police Service arrested 11 suspects on various dates.”

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CRACKDOWN ON FAKE CERTIFICATES

Offering details, he revealed that the first two suspects faced arrest in Burgersfort, Limpopo, on 27 October. Afterward, authorities arrested an additional individual in Pretoria in November, and they captured three more on 20 November. On 13 December 2023, authorities apprehended the last five individuals once again in Burgersfort, Limpopo.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, Rakometsi disclosed, “Additionally, a Department of Higher Education and Training official faces corruption charges for trading a diploma certificate for cash.”

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“Umalusi will collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure scammers face the full force of the law. We have no association with fake certificates; our mandate is to issue authentic certificates to deserving candidates,” Rakometsi affirmed.

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VERIFY QUALIFICATIONS VIA UMALUSI AGENCIES

He urged employers, both in the public and private sectors, to verify qualifications through listed agencies on Umalusi’s website.

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