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Hawks Investigate Matric Results Leak: Johannesburg Man Arrested

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A 21-year-old man from Hillcrest, Johannesburg, is at the center of an investigation into the unauthorized sale of matric results on the now-defunct platform, Edumarks. The scandal has raised serious concerns about the security of the Department of Basic Education’s systems.

The Edumarks Leak

Edumarks, operational since 2021, claimed a 97% accuracy rate for providing early access to matric results. The platform allegedly sold these results for R100 each, just days before the official release date.

Following a complaint lodged by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) on January 12, 2025, at Pretoria Central Police Station, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, began their probe into the breach.

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale confirmed that a search warrant was executed at the suspect’s home in Hillcrest.

“Various electronic gadgets and an unlicensed shotgun with live ammunition were seized during the search,” Mogale stated. “The 21-year-old suspect has been detained for the unlawful possession of a firearm, while the investigation into the matric result leak is ongoing.”

The young man’s parents were present during the search.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube addressed the breach during a press briefing, emphasizing the department’s commitment to securing the integrity of the matriculation process.

“The breach appears to have occurred at the tail end of the verification process. We suspect either an internal leak or a potential cyber-attack,” Gwarube said.

The DBE has engaged the Hawks and State Security to investigate the origins of the leak. Minister Gwarube also confirmed that measures would be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Tightening Security Measures

Minister Gwarube acknowledged the need to review the department’s protocols:

  • Internal Investigation: If the breach is linked to DBE staff or processes, an internal investigation will be launched, followed by consequence management.
  • Stakeholder Review: Should the breach involve external stakeholders, the DBE will tighten security measures to ensure the integrity of shared information.
  • Cybersecurity Audit: A comprehensive audit will assess the system’s vulnerability to cyber-attacks.

“It is absolutely critical to ensure this process remains airtight. Any breach undermines the credibility of the matric results and the trust placed in our education system,” Gwarube stated.

The Hawks continue their investigation into the platform’s operations, potential collaborators, and the source of the leaked results.

Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward by contacting Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or using the MYSAPSAPP platform.

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