Mbombela (Nelspruit) – Department of Higher Education Official 44-year-old Lufuno Ashley Rambani accused of irregularly issuing a diploma certificate to help a “friend’s wife” get a job, has appeared in court.
Rambani was arrested by the Hawks Nelspruit-based Serious Corruption Investigation on Monday, (11 December 2023), in Pretoria on corruption charges.
His arrest followed an investigation by the Hawks which revealed that he bypassed systems at the Department of Higher Education to supply the complainant with a diploma certificate.
On Tuesday, (12 December 2023), the accused appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga.
Allegations are that earlier this year in June, Department of Higher Education staffer Rambani was approached by his immigration officer friend – 40-year-old Doctor Frank Machavha to fast-track the production of a diploma certificate for a buddy’s wife.
The Department of Home Affairs staffer, Machavha, then told the “friend”, who later became the complainant, that he knew someone who could assist in getting his wife’s “diploma certificate quickly” for a fee of R3 500.
However, the complaint baulked at the suggestion of paying “the fee” since his wife had studied and earned the diploma legitimately. All she needed was the hard copy diploma certificate to enable her to apply for jobs.
The horrified friend went to the police and reported the matter, which was then referred to the Hawks for further investigation.
During the investigation, it was established that the requested diploma certificate had been printed. Before it could be handed over, the Hawks set up a sting operation.
Department of Higher Education employee Rambani allegedly sent the diploma certificate to his immigration officer friend, who had arranged to collect the “gratification” on delivery.
However, immigration officer Machavha was arrested when he allegedly handed over the diploma certificate to the complainant.
Machavha was arrested on 23 June 2023. He appeared in court and was released on R5 000 bail.
Machavha’s case was adjourned to 19 January 2024.
Investigations into the matter by the Hawks continued leading to the arrest on Monday, (11 December 2023), of Rambani.
When Rambani appeared in court Tuesday, he was also released on R5 000 bail.
His case was postponed to 19 January 2024, when it will be joined with the first accused, Machavha.
