Last updated on 2023-03-13
A gang of 10 suspected foreign nationals were hauled before Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, slapped with fraud charges for tricking the community into two bogus schools.
Their arrests follow a dramatic raid on Monday by a multidisciplinary team headed by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation along with Department of Education and the Department of Home Affairs.
The two bogus schools, Hillcrest International School and Academy of Science, located on Harley Street in Randburg, northwest of Johannesburg, became the center of an illegal operation.
It is alleged that these schools had been operating under the control of the group, swindling unsuspecting parents and pupils out of their hard-earned money.
It is said that nearly two hundred paying students have been swindled by the group since 2019.
The suspects were identified as College Director Petros Lyson (54), along with his sons Rawlings (30) and Rodney (25), who had been incredibly influential in running the facilities.
Other suspects listed in the charge sheet are Christian Egbonim, 38, Emmanuel Ngwenya, 24, Evermore, 61, and Tinonmvonga Maranguza, 61, and four women: Zenda, 30, Juliet Maphiri, 32, Faith Mwitha, 22, and Tadiwanashe Zvichauya, 18.
The accused were remanded in custody pending bail applications on March 13 and 16, 2023.
Captain Lloyd Ramovha, spokesperson for the Hawks, reported that the director of the college, along with his sons Rawlings (30) and Rodney (30), had been incredibly influential in running the facilities.
According to Captain Ramovha, Petros was also facing ‘aiding and abetting’ charges relating to an incident that occurred at OR-Tambo International Airport on August 1, 2022.
He is accused of having facilitated fraudulent paperwork to traffic four minors aged between 11 and 15 to Dublin, Ireland.
Ramovha said the Hawks had arrested Hilda Tenenga, also known as Hilda Dlamini, alongside Andrew Kumbirai Masimo and Sithembiso Mlauzi. These are the three minors, all of whom have been rescued unharmed.
He said the case has been remanded to April 13, 2023, when Petros is expected to appear at Kempton Park with his co-accused.
Major General Ebrahim Kadwa of the Gauteng Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations voiced his appreciation for the tireless efforts of the investigators, saying, “We are grateful for everyone’s multifaceted approach; we must take a stand against the perpetrators who are jeopardizing the future of our young ones.”
“This is merely the tip of the iceberg, as it appears to be a problem occurring across the country,” added Ramovha.
Members of the public have been urged to verify institutions’ credentials with the Gauteng Department of Education’ Selaelo Kgoale at 082 677 4436. Any affected victims are urged to call Warrant Officer Class Ranthakgoa and Captain Mabasa the investigators in this case on 0825684598 and 0714812468 respectively.
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