SIU exploring legal options after court rules in favour of Mabuyane

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says it is considering all legal options available following the interim interdict granted to Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane regarding the probe on his academic qualifications from University of Fort Hare.

On Tuesday, 20 June, the Eastern Cape High Court in Bisho handed down an order that the probe on Mabuyane’s qualifications should not go ahead.

SIU WEIGHS IN ON RULING ON FORT HARE PROBE

According to News24 a forensic investigation found Mabuyane allegedly solicited the assistance of former University of Fort Hare Professor Edwin Ijeoma, his team of “research assistants”, and ghostwriters to help flesh out his Master’s proposal despite not meeting the requirements to pursue this qualification without honours.

According to the report, Mabuyane didn’t do more than just paraphrase and add bits of information to the Master’s proposal, as Ijeoma and his team did most of the work. The team also reportedly helped him prepare for his presentation to a panel of academics.

In terms of the order, the SIU is interdicted from enforcing Proclamation R 84 of 2022 authorising it to investigate allegations of maladministration in the affairs of the University of Fort Hare on matters relating to Mabuyane.

The SIU said the investigation relating to Mabuyane is interdicted pending the determination of Part B, which deals with the merits of the case in as far as the admission into and awarding of Masters degree.

UNIT EXPLORING ALL LEGAL OPTIONS

The SIU said it has studied the judgement and is happy that it does not interdict or suspend the entire UFH investigation.

“We are also optimistic that we will present our case when Part B of this matter is heard. The SIU is further encouraged by Paragraph 66 of the judgement which states that:

“Where there is evidence that implicates unlawful conduct in so far as the Master’s degree is concerned.

“…there is nothing stopping the SIU from preparing a motivation as it did with the earlier Proclamation and request the President to proclaim that the registration for Masters degree, too, should be investigated.”

Eastern Cape High Court in Bisho ruling

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