The suspect, whose name is being withheld pending formal charges, was apprehended on Monday, 12 May, during a verification process required for new educator registrations. According to SACE, officials became suspicious after spotting inconsistencies in the documentation she submitted, including a purported Bachelor of Education degree from the University of South Africa (UNISA) and a SACE registration letter.
Upon inspection, both documents were found to be counterfeit. SACE immediately alerted the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the woman was arrested on site. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has also been brought in to assist with a broader probe into the authenticity of the credentials and possible links to a syndicate producing fake qualifications.
“This arrest is a warning to those who think they can bypass the rigorous standards we apply in verifying educator credentials,” said SACE spokesperson Thembelihle Dlamini. “Not only is this a criminal offence, but it also places the safety and academic development of learners at serious risk.”
Authorities are investigating whether the suspect ever taught in a school and, if so, for how long. Early indications suggest she may have worked in a private institution where registration protocols are often less stringent. SACE has confirmed it is reaching out to affected schools and learners if any were impacted.
The Department of Basic Education has expressed concern over the incident, calling for tighter cooperation between institutions of higher learning, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement to prevent further abuse of the education system.
Forging educational credentials is a criminal offence under South African law, carrying penalties that include imprisonment. This latest arrest adds to a growing number of cases involving fake degrees and fraudulent employment in the public sector.
The suspect remains in custody and is expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court later this week on charges of fraud and uttering forged documents. More arrests may follow as the investigation unfolds.
