Hawks arrest 2 women for matric certificate fraud, secure forfeiture of illegal gold processing property! The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has arrested two women in Johannesburg for their involvement in matric certificate fraud, highlighting the ongoing crackdown on fraudulent activities in South Africa’s education system.
Matric Certificate Falsification Arrests
According to Gauteng Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramovha, the two women—aged 24 and 31—were arrested on Thursday, March 20, 2025, after an alert police officer noticed suspicious activity at an internet café in central Johannesburg.
“The suspects were caught editing a matric certificate issued in 2014, altering academic results to misrepresent qualifications,” said Ramovha.
During the arrest, authorities seized electronic devices, including a computer and a mobile phone, which will undergo further forensic investigation to determine the full extent of the fraud.
Matric certificate fraud
Hawks Vow to Protect Education Integrity
The head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, commended the swift action of law enforcement in exposing the fraudsters.
“Crimes like these undermine the credibility of our education system and the hard work of countless South Africans. We will not tolerate such deceit and will ensure that justice is served,” said Kadwa.
He further urged the public to remain vigilant and report any fraudulent activities that could jeopardize the country’s education sector.
The arrest comes amid growing concerns about fake qualifications being used to secure jobs, college admissions, and other professional opportunities, ultimately eroding public trust in legitimate academic achievements.
Illegal Gold Processing Operation Shut Down in Gauteng
In an unrelated case, the High Court in Pretoria has granted a forfeiture order for a Gauteng plot valued at R740,000 after an investigation by the Hawks uncovered illegal gold processing activities on the property.
Lieutenant Colonel Ramovha revealed that in September 2023, members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit in Vaalrand conducted a search and seizure operation at a plot located on Barbuda Street, Elandsfontein, Walkerville.
Upon arrival, officers discovered gold-bearing soil being processed by seven individuals, five of whom were identified as Zimbabwean nationals.
“The suspects were found operating at the back of the property, using wheelbarrows to transfer soil inside one of three buildings where gold concentration processing was taking place,” explained Ramovha.
Hawks Take Action Against Illegal Mining
The suspects were arrested and detained for violating the Precious Metals Act, which regulates the possession, processing, and trade of precious metals in South Africa.
Following the September 2023 raid, the matter was referred to the Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation Unit, which launched asset forfeiture proceedings to seize the property used in the illegal gold mining operation.
Government’s Stance on Economic Crimes
Both cases—the fraudulent alteration of matric certificates and the illegal gold mining operation—underscore the Hawks’ commitment to tackling economic crimes that threaten South Africa’s education system and natural resources.
Authorities continue to warn that fraud and illicit economic activities will be met with strict legal consequences, as these crimes undermine public trust and economic stability.
As investigations into both cases continue, the Hawks have vowed to pursue all individuals involved in similar offenses and ensure that justice prevails.