In a three day long bail application involving 38 accused allegedly involved in looting of the Department of Education funds disguised as emergency required services and repairs, that were arrested from Sunday, 22 February 2026 were granted a combined bail of R1 625 000.
The accused, including senior government officials, service providers, and individuals, appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court from Monday, 23 February 2026 to Wednesday, 25 February 2026. Investigation revealed that R114 million tender projects were awarded by the department. Some of the service providers were allegedly handpicked without following proper procedures. The service providers allegedly rendered substandard services, some were paid whilst no services were rendered, and some were allegedly paid more than once for services rendered. The money siphoned from the Department was then moved from service providers’ accounts to different accounts until it reached government officials. A wheelchair bound accused, and two of the three students were granted R5 000-00 bail each. Three accused were granted R20 000 bail each, one suspect granted R30 000 an d 31 accused were granted R50 000 each. From the service providers, two are pastors. All accused are expected to make their second court appearance on 26 March 2026.
Cece Smith 