Hawks arrest 21-year-old suspect for selling matric results

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The Hawks have arrested a 21-year-old suspect involved in the alleged leaking of the class of 2024 matric results on the internet which were allegedly being sold.

The arrest follows a complaint lodged with law enforcement agencies by the department of education on Sunday, after the discovery of a website where students accessed their National Senior Certificate full results with percentage for R100.

According to reports that have been doing the rounds on social media, many students were able to get their results via email – days before the official release.

Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale confirmed that their members descended upon a house in Hillcrest, north of Johannesburg on Thursday morning after their search and seizure warrant was approved.

The Hawks pounced on the suspect

“The Hawks proceeded to the identified premises where a 21-year-old young man and his parents are residing. During the search, various electronic gadgets and an unlicensed shotgun with live ammunition were found.

“He will be detained for the unlawful possession of a firearm and further investigation into the matric result leakage will continue,” Mogale added.

Meanwhile, hundreds have signed petition for investigation into South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI) Matric Results.

In 2023, SACAI faced mounting criticism following widespread complaints of irregularities in the marking and capturing of matric results, said Asante Mokhuoa, founder and chairperson of Strategic African Women In Leadership (SAWIL).

She added that, parents and learners reported shocking discrepancies, with many students experiencing dramatic declines in their final scores despite strong year-long performance.

“This year, SACAI assessed 5,789 learners across 59 institutions nationwide. Only 1,846 learners (31.9%) achieved Bachelor-level admission. Over 68% of learners were left without access to tertiary education—a devastating blow for those who had worked tirelessly toward their goals,” she remarked.

These concerns sparked outrage and led to the creation of a petition which garnered over 4,600 signatures.

“We, the parents and Matric Class of 2023, are deeply concerned about the suspected irregularities within the marking and capturing process of the recent SACAI Matric Results.

“We believe in the importance of a fair and transparent assessment system for our students, who have worked tirelessly throughout their academic journey.

“The suspicion of irregularities has raised significant doubt and concern among students and parents. This not only impacts the credibility of the results but also potentially affects the future opportunities of our students.

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“We hereby request an immediate and thorough investigation into these potential irregularities. “We urge the relevant authorities to take this matter seriously and ensure that the integrity of our education system is upheld. 

“By signing this petition, we collectively voice our concerns and demand transparency and fairness in the marking and capturing process of SACAI Matric Results,” the petition read.