‘Ghost pupils’ allegedly netted former teacher R1m

MSN / Cape Times / Article by Chevon Booysen

A former Adult Basic Education and Training (Abet) teacher is expected to appear in court again next month on fraud charges to the tune of almost R1 million.

Hawks spokesperson Philani Nkwalase said Tasmyn Lynn Dorothy, 42, appeared in the Oudsthoorn Magistrate’s Court for alleged fraud on Agusut 12, following her arrest the same day.

“It is alleged that between January 2010 and May 2013 Dorothy, who worked as a teacher and a manager at different learning centres around Oudtshoorn, registered ghost learners, thereby inflating the actual numbers of registered students in order to gain financial benefits from the Western Cape Department of Education, which consequently lost R946538 from her illegal activities,” said Nkwalase.

The former teacher was released on R2500 bail until her next regional court date on September 6.

Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said: “The WCED was made aware of financial irregularities and investigated the matter.

“The case was handed over to provincial forensic services.”

Following an investigation, Dorothy was dismissed.

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