Two women were arrested in Johannesburg for fraudulently editing a matric certificate. The Hawks continue their fight against crime in South Africa.
Key Points:
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The Hawks arrested two women for altering a matric certificate at a Johannesburg internet cafe.
- The Hawks seized electronic devices for further investigation into the fraud, ensuring a thorough inquiry into the crime.
- Furthermore, the Hawks continue to tackle illegal activities, including gold processing operations, as part of their ongoing efforts to combat crime.
Two women were arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks. For their involvement in fraudulent activities related to the falsification of a matric certificate.
Hawks Relentless Drive to Upload Justice
Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramovha said the arrests underline the agency’s “relentless drive. To uphold justice and protect the integrity of South Africa’s education system.
“The arrest occurred on Thursday, March 20, 2025. An alert police officer noticed suspicious behavior at an internet cafe in central Johannesburg,” Ramovha said.
How the Police Caught the Suspect
Police found the suspects, aged 24 and 31, editing a 2014 matric certificate. They were altering the academic results to misrepresent their qualifications. Ramovha added that investigators seized the electronic devices used in the crime, including a computer and mobile phone, to further investigate the fraudulent activities.
Gauteng Hawks provincial head Major General Ebrahim Kadwa welcomed the arrests.
“Crimes like these undermine the credibility of our education system and the hard work of many South Africans. We will not tolerate such deceit and will ensure that we serve justice,” Kadwa said. “We urge the public to stay vigilant and report any fraudulent activities to authorities to help in the fight against crime.”
In a separate case, the High Court in Pretoria granted a forfeiture order for a Gauteng plot. The Hawks uncovered illegal gold processing activities on the land, valuing it at R740,000.
Ramovha explained that in September 2023, members of the Hawks’ serious organised crime unit executed a search. They also executed a seizure warrant at a property in Barbuda Street, Elandsfontein, in Walkerville, expanding their efforts to uncover illicit activities.
“Upon arrival, investigators discovered seven individuals processing gold-bearing soil. Five of them were identified as Zimbabwean nationals. Police found the suspects working at the back of the property, using wheelbarrows to move soil inside one of three buildings for gold concentration,” Ramovha said.
The Hawks arrested the suspects and detained them for violating the Precious Metals Act.
After the operation, they referred the matter to the Hawks’ specialized investigation unit for further investigation and asset forfeiture proceedings, strengthening their focus on comprehensive justice.
