The Eastern Cape Health Spokesperson, Sizwe Kupelo, handed himself over to Hawks and was arrested on charges of presenting Fake Matric Certificates. The Spokesperson is one of the people who have been awarded the controversial Trinity Internationa Bible University honorary doctorate, which is said to be bogus.
The Serious Corruption Investigation team based in East London, affiliated with the Hawks, took Sizwe Kupelo (47) into custody on 24th April 2024. The charges against him include fraud and forgery.
In March 2002, Sizwe Kupelo sought employment as a Communication Officer at the Premier’s office in Bhisho. His application succeeded, and he commenced his duties in April of the same year. Subsequently, in November 2002, he purportedly secured a position as the Deputy Director of Communications at the Department of Health in Bhisho.
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Allegations against Sizwe Kupelo
An internal audit conducted by the Department of Health in 2020 uncovered discrepancies regarding Kupelo’s qualifications. It was revealed that he lacked a valid matric certificate during his tenure. Instead, he allegedly presented a counterfeit certificate to secure his employment.
The speaker claimed to have a doctorate degree from the Trinity International Bible University. He came under the microscope after the University awarded Sello Maake kaNcube an honorary doctorate last week. Blade Nzimande then shared that the University is bogus and not registered, so it has no business giving out degrees in South Africa.
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Legal Proceedings
The Department of Health escalated the matter to the Hawks for a comprehensive investigation. Following confirmation of the allegations, Kupelo was apprehended on 24th April 2024. He appeared briefly at Zwelitsha Magistrates’ Court and was granted bail amounting to R30,000. His next appearance is scheduled for the Regional court on 30th April 2024.
Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, the Provincial Head, commended the investigative team for their impartial and diligent execution of their duties.