CRIME SCENE: Nelspruit, Mpumalanga: A pastor’s wife and a company director have appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrates Court in connection with a R114 million education corruption scheme.

Thandekile Sibiya, the wife of co-accused Pastor Bongani Sibiya, appeared in court alongside  Zama Fakude on Thursday, 15 October 2026, 

She was arrested by the Hawks on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, while Fakude handed himself over to the police on Thursday morning.

Their court appearance is the latest development in a massive, ongoing investigation into corruption, theft, and money laundering that has rocked the Mpumalanga Education Department, said the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The multi-million rand scheme has already seen 40 other individuals, including Sibiya’s husband, arrested in February 2026.

Investigators allege that Thandekile Sibiya was linked to the proceeds of the crime, which were channeled through her husband and four corporate entities.

State registry records allege that Fakude’s company benefited by more than R1 million from the fraudulent scheme.

Sibiya was set free on bail of R10 000, but Fakude was remanded in custody. His bail application has been postponed to 21 October 2026 to allow the state time for further investigation.

Major General Nico Gerber, the Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, commended the investigation team and re-emphasised the unit’s resolve to tackle complex white-collar crime.

Thandekile Sibiya is scheduled to return to court on 1 December 2026, where she will stand trial alongside her husband and the remaining co-accused.