NSFAS Fraud: 11 Arrested Suspects Face Court Over Theft of Student Funds
Polokwane – Eleven individuals have been apprehended for allegedly defrauding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and have made their court appearance at the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo.
According to Hawks spokesperson Captain Wendy Nkabi, the detained suspects, along with four businesses, faced charges of fraud and theft on Monday, 20 April 2026.
The Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit arrested the eleven suspects and four companies on Monday, 20 April 2026, and they subsequently appeared in the Lephalale Magistrate Court in Polokwane on Tuesday, 21 April 2026.
These individuals are facing serious allegations of fraud and theft.
The list of accused includes:
- Sydwell Khulu Molala (47),
- Mokgere Anna Mamabolo (55),
- Maxwell Claudius Chinyemba (42),
- Matlaakhudu Cate Mogano (37),
- Malefetsana Johannes Mogano (31),
- Mokgopo Elias Mogano (42),
- Mmalegasa Piccah Semenya (30),
- Matome Aaron Maake (29),
- Salome Mmamotshaba Kganyago (52),
- Mmakgomo Lucy Semenya (49), and
- Moketla Nelson Mamabolo (27).
The allegations suggest that in 2017, Sydwell Molala, employed as an Accounting Clerk at Lephalale TVET College, collaborated with Mokgere Anna Mamabolo, a Senior State Accountant, and Maxwell Claudius Chinyemba, a financial clerk, to defraud NSFAS.
“They reportedly diverted funds intended for student bursaries for their personal gain,” stated Captain Nkabi.
“Additionally, it is alleged that they opened bank accounts under the names of family members, while two of them registered four businesses to move and conceal the funds.”
The proceedings were adjourned, and all suspects have been released on bail.
The accused will next appear before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday, 7 May 2026.
Commenting on the situation, Limpopo Hawks Head Major General Gopez Govender remarked: “The Hawks are dedicated to combating corruption and safeguarding public funds, particularly those allocated for student support and education.”
General Govender urged anyone with information that could aid the investigation to reach out to the Hawks.