News24 | Eastern Cape govt employee charged with fraud for using fake matric certificate to earn R2m

Philela Angela Tafeni, 29, was arrested by the Hawks for allegedly using a fake matric certificate to earn over R2 million from the Eastern Cape government.

An Eastern Cape government employee has been arrested for allegedly using a fraudulent matric certificate to secure employment with the state and earning over R2 million in wages over nine years.

Philela Angela Tafeni, 29, appeared in the Qonce Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday after the Hawks arrested her in East London on the same day.

According to the Hawks, Tafeni applied for a data capturer position at the Eastern Cape Department of Transport in July 2015. The position was a one-year contract.

Hawks’ spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said the department permanently employed Tafeni in June 2016.

“In January 2025, information was received alleging that an employee within the said department had secured employment using a fraudulent matric certificate. The suspect was alleged to have never completed Grade 12 but had submitted a bogus matric certificate to obtain employment,” said Mhlakuvana.

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He said the Hawks conducted an investigation, which revealed that the accused submitted a fraudulent matric certificate.

“As a result of such misrepresentation, she unlawfully benefited from total remuneration amounting to R2 048 169.00, paid between 01 July 2016 and 01 April 2025, thereby causing substantial financial prejudice to the department,” said Mhlakuvana.

Tafeni is facing charges of fraud, forgery, and uttering.

The case was postponed to 31 October.