Olebogeng Modikoe (40), an employee at the North West Department of Education, was on Friday, 20 June 2025, sentenced to three years imprisonment or R20 000 fine by the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court after he was found guilty of fraud.

In 2023, Modikoe, as a Principal Human Resource Officer, allegedly created two ghost employees on the system and gave them a three-month contract. The said employees reportedly received remuneration amounting to R150 000.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lt Col Tinyiko Mathebula, said investigations conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation revealed that the salaries were paid into the bank accounts of two accused, Thulare Joseph Radise (40) and Kabelo Patrice Mosuwe (40), whose matter is still before the court.

Following an investigation, Modikoe and his co-accused were arrested in March 2024.

Mathebula said Modikoe made several court appearances until he entered into a plea and sentencing agreement with the state. 

He was found guilty and sentenced to three years imprisonment or a R20 000 fine on two counts of fraud. He was further sentenced to two years imprisonment or R10 000 fine on two counts of money laundering.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg