A serious and disturbing threat has been made against Nokuthula Ngcingwana, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Eastern Cape Department of Education. In a phone conversation, a self-identified hitman warned Ngcingwana to resign from her position or face severe consequences. He claimed that several of her colleagues had hired him to harm her, alleging that she had been unfair to them. The hitman made it clear that he knew private details about her life, such as her home address in Stutterheim, her children, and the car she drives. He further threatened that unless she resigned by the end of the year, her safety would be in jeopardy.
Ngcingwana, in an attempt to de-escalate the situation, expressed concern that the information the hitman had might be incorrect. She suggested that he investigate the details further before acting on them. However, the hitman dismissed her plea, stating that his role was simply to carry out the orders he had been given. He emphasized that his job was not to verify the information, but rather to follow through on the request he had received. The conversation revealed his belief that multiple people had raised complaints about her, which led him to deliver the warning.
Despite the grave nature of the threats, the hitman also offered Ngcingwana an ultimatum: resign and avoid harm, or remain in her position and face the consequences. He expressed that he was only “doing her a favor” by warning her. While the hitman made a pointed comment about how easy it would be to harm her, his words suggested that he was offering her the chance to choose her future. He claimed that he did not seek financial gain from the situation, but only wished to complete the task he had been assigned.
In response to the threats, the police launched an investigation, and a case of intimidation was officially opened at the Stutterheim police station on November 20. The case has since been transferred to the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit for further handling. As of now, no arrests have been made, but authorities are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness due to the potential danger involved. To ensure the continued operation of the department, Ngcingwana has been placed on special leave, and an acting CFO has been appointed.
Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade has expressed his concern over the situation, describing the threats against Ngcingwana as a serious matter. He stated that the Department of Education is fully cooperating with law enforcement agencies and that the investigation is ongoing. The department has emphasized the importance of addressing any form of extortion or intimidation within its ranks, and Gade has encouraged employees to come forward with any relevant information.
Gade also reassured the public and departmental staff that every effort would be made to resolve the situation and ensure the safety of all involved. The Department of Education has committed to taking swift action to eliminate any criminal behavior within its ranks, and authorities have vowed to pursue the individuals responsible for the threats with the same level of determination. The investigation is a priority, and officials are focused on bringing those behind the intimidation to justice.
