A combined bail amount of R1 625 000 was granted to 38 accused allegedly involved in the looting of Department of Education funds in Mpumalanga.
The accused — including senior government officials, service providers and private individuals — appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court from 23 to 25 February 2026 following their arrests on 22 February 2026. The matter relates to alleged irregular tender awards amounting to R114 million, reportedly disguised as emergency services and repair projects.
Image: Several of the 38 accused in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court during bail proceedings.
Investigations revealed that certain service providers were allegedly handpicked without following proper procurement procedures. Some service providers allegedly delivered substandard work, others were reportedly paid without rendering services, while some were allegedly paid more than once. Authorities further allege that the siphoned funds were moved through multiple accounts before reaching government officials.
In terms of bail:
- One wheelchair-bound accused and two students were granted R5 000 bail each.
- Three accused were granted R20 000 bail each.
- One accused was granted R30 000 bail.
- Thirty-one accused were granted R50 000 bail each.
Two of the service providers implicated in the matter are pastors.
All accused are expected to appear in court again on 26 March 2026. The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga commended the investigation team, the National Prosecuting Authority and operational members for their work during the proceedings. The remaining two suspects are expected to hand themselves over to investigators as arranged through their legal representatives.