Finance Clerk in North West Faces 436 Fraud Charges Over R2.4M School Scandal

A finance clerk at Lichtenburg Primary School in the North West has been charged with 436 counts of fraud and theft, allegedly embezzling over R2.4 million from the school’s funds.

Lorato Junitor Motiki was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit on December 1, following an extensive probe into fraudulent transactions dating from November 2019 to June 2023.

Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse, detailed how Motiki allegedly funneled money from the school’s account into her personal accounts under the guise of payments to service providers. These payments were purportedly for services such as stationery, security, and utilities but were never rendered.

Motiki also allegedly fabricated authorization forms to secure payments, further defrauding the school.

Motiki appeared in the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court, where she was granted bail of R5,000. The case has been postponed to January 28, 2025, for further proceedings in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.

The North West acting provincial head of the Hawks, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, and Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Rachel Makhari, commended the investigation team for their diligence in addressing corruption within educational institutions.

“This case highlights our commitment to rooting out criminal activities in government structures,” said Brigadier Munzhedzi.

Motiki’s arrest serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability in managing public resources.

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