Polokwane – Eleven suspects arrested for allegedly defrauding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) have appeared in the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court, in Limpopo.
Hawks spokesperson Captain Wendy Nkabi said the accused and four companies faced charges of fraud and theft on Monday, 20 April 2026.
The Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation arrested eleven accused persons, together with four companies on Monday, 20 April 2026, and already appeared before the Lephalale Magistrate Court in Polokwane on Tuesday, 21 April 2026.
They are facing charges of alleged fraud and theft.
The accused include:
- 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).
Allegations are that in 2017, Sydwell Molala, who was working as an Accounting Clerk at Lephalale TVET College, worked together with Mokgere Anna Mamabolo, a Senior State Accountant, and Maxwell Claudius Chinyemba, a financial clerk, to defraud NSFAS.
“They allegedly diverted money meant for student bursaries for their own benefit,” said Captain Nkabi.
“It is further alleged that they opened bank accounts in the names of family members, and two of them registered four companies to move and hide the money.”
The matter was adjourned and all the accused were released on bail.
The accused will appear before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday, 7 May 2026.
Commenting further on the matter, Limpopo Head of the Hawks Major General Gopez Govender said: “The Hawks remain committed to fighting corruption and protecting public funds, especially money meant to support students and education”.
General Govender said anyone with information that can assist investigations is encouraged to contact the Hawks
