EASTERN CAPE: Luthuli Sihle (27) a professional nurse at St Elizabeth Hospital in Lusikisiki, appeared before the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes court on 20 September 2024 for allegations of fraud and corruption.

On 13 March 2023, it is alleged that the complainants who are the parents visited Walter Sisulu University (WSU), Mthatha campus at Health and Science Faculty to get their child enrolled at the university. During the time the suspect was allegedly on duty as a Student Representative Council (SRC) committee member, where he offered to assist the complainants and reportedly demanded R25 000 cash in order for the child to be successfully enrolled at the aforesaid university.

The complainants reportedly transferred the demanded amount to the suspect’s bank account as instructed. After some time, the parents established that their child was not registered in the university system as there was no space. The parents reported the matter to the university management,  then later it was referred to the Hawks for probing. The parents were prejudiced cash to an amount of R25 000.

Investigations by the Hawks revealed that the alleged payment was successfully received by the suspect and he intentionally deceived the parents by defrauding them cash, hence his arrest by the Mthatha Serious Corruption Investigation of the Hawks (SCI) on 19 September 2024.

He made his first court appearance before the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes court on 20 September 2024 and was released on R2000 bail. The matter was remanded to 7 October 2024 for legal representation. 

Enquiries: Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana

082 417 6972