Hawks Detain Ex-SRC Member in Financial Aid Scheme Probe

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The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has applauded the Hawks for arresting a former Rustenburg TVET College SRC member at their Pretoria offices.

The individual is alleged to have defrauded first-year students of R14,000 in NSFAS allowances.

A student at Orbit TVET College in Rustenburg complained to the NSFAS Forensics Unit on June 14, 2023, about fraudulent transactions made on the bank account used to receive NSFAS allowances.

Media Liaison Officer, Anele Ntswayi, said the NSFAS Forensics Unit’s initial examination revealed that the fraudulent transactions included unapproved transfers into the suspected SRC member’s bank account.

“Additional forensic investigation revealed that several Orbit TVET College students had been similarly impacted. An on-site investigation was then carried out at the campus by members of the NSFAS Forensics Unit.

NSFAS WELCOMES ARREST OF FORMER SRC MEMBER FOR ALLEGED FRAUD#NSFASAllowances #NSFASFraudPrevention pic.twitter.com/UC7hAWPGEU

— NSFAS (@myNSFAS) December 7, 2025

“Several criminal cases were formally registered for additional investigation and potential prosecution with assistance from representatives of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Pretoria Serious Economic Offenses Unit.

Applaud following SRC Member arrest

“We applaud law enforcement officials for their prompt action and cooperation. It is quite admirable that the administration of Orbit TVET College helped the investigators and supported the impacted students.

Ntswayi reiterated NSFAS’ dedication to maintaining the integrity of the student funding system.

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He added, “We take any case of fraud or misbehavior very seriously, and we’ll keep collaborating with law authorities to make sure those responsible are held accountable.

“NSFAS remains committed to protecting students and ensuring that financial aid reaches those who need it most. We urge all students to remain vigilant and help us combat fraud by safeguarding their personal information at all times.”

Safety measures for all students to protect themselves from fraud and exploitation:

• When processing your application, NSFA employees will never ask for payment.
• Regardless of whether they identify themselves as NSFAS employees or not, you should not pay anyone to process your application or to follow up on the results.
• Never divulge your personal information to anyone, including lecturers, classmates, members of the Student Representative Council (SRC), or even anyone posing as NSFAS workers.
• Regardless of whether you are using a public computer or your mobile device, always log out of your myNSFAS profile after each session.
• Avoid joining online organizations that imitate the official NSFAS profile or clicking on dubious links. Use the NSFAS website and communication channels exclusively.
• Don’t enter your personal information on any unapproved websites or links.
• If you have difficulties with the myNSFAS system, please adhere to the established protocols that NSFAS has communicated to address your problem.
• Directly report any suspicious behavior to SAPS, and send an email with details about any fraud or corruption you find or observe.