Big shots implicated in MoE scandal

BAME PIET
Staff Writer | Friday March 19, 2010 00:00

 

 A reliable source has told this paper that those who have been questioned have revealed more than the investigators were prepared for and that the scam involves millions of Pula. It is said that in some instances, officers conspired with students who had completed their studies to continue getting allowances while in some instances one student was being paid an allowance enough for three students. 'The so-called students shared the loot with the officers and it went on for several years undetected,' the source said. Some officers have implicated their supervisors at higher government positions, the source further revealed. Approximately four weeks ago the ministry shut down its Student Placement Unit and interdicted all officers in the division to allow for thorough investigations. Minister of Education and Skills Development Venson- Moitoi then told Parliament that the DCEC has made shocking findings, which reflect major weaknesses in systems as well as continued unprofessional practices.

'These findings reveal very serious system weaknesses and flaws which in turn create an opportunistic environment for manipulation and fraud. These therefore do necessitate further investigations to ascertain whether or not malpractice and fraud has occurred,' she told the House last month.

Contacted for comment principal public relations officer at DCEC Lentswe Motshoganetsi said that the investigations were at an initial stage and could not release any information. He said that once the investigations are complete, the DCEC would definitely release information to the public.

Venson-Moitoi could not divulge much information, however, she said that though the investigators were still working on the matter, she would be receiving an interim report today to determine the way forward. She said that she was hoping to get a full report by next week.