Gauteng department of education spokesperson, Steve Mabona, said the principal of Mpontsheng Secondary School in Katlehong, East Rand, where the incident took place, has since been placed on precautionary transfer to the district office.

The principal walked into a matric examination centre and allegedly gave pupils answers to the paper. 

"The incident was reported to Umalusi and the principal was immediately removed as invigilator and subsequently placed on precautionary transfer," said Mabona.

He said the examination process was smooth except for the cheating incident.

The National Senior Certificate examinations are expected to conclude tomorrow with agricultural management practices at 09:00 and design at 14:00.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga will release the 2018 matric examination results on January 3. 

However, pupils will be able to access their results from January 4 at their schools and/or examination centres.

Mabona advised pupils who might be suffering from exam anxiety to contact Childline.

"We wish all our learners the very best of luck and success, and with all the hard work they have put in, we trust that they will make themselves, their families and the department very proud," he said.

News24