A 49-year-old librarian from Mangaung Metro, Arron Gaotingwe Raphutse, has been charged with fraud, theft, and uttering, following an investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks. Raphutse, who has been employed at the municipality since 2007, allegedly falsified his qualifications to secure his position within the Community and Social Development Sub-Directorate of the Mangaung Metro Municipality.
According to Free State police spokesperson Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti, the case dates back to 2007 when Raphutse applied for a job at the municipality, submitting false information regarding his academic credentials. Raphutse claimed to hold qualifications that he did not possess, leading the municipality to appoint him under the assumption that he was suitably qualified.
As a result of his misrepresentation, the municipality suffered financial loss amounting to R1,329,935.08. The fraud was uncovered during a routine verification process, which revealed that Raphutse had fabricated his qualifications. The investigation was taken over by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit, and a warrant for Raphutse’s arrest was issued on January 24, 2025. Raphutse later turned himself in to authorities.
Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, the head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Free State, emphasized that faking qualifications is a serious crime with significant consequences. Both individuals and institutions, Bokaba stated, bear the repercussions of such fraudulent actions. Raphutse’s appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court marks a significant step in the fight against corruption and misrepresentation in the public sector.
