Needy schools conned out of money

NELSON Mandela Bay schools have been saved from the clutches of a man posing as a Department of Basic Education official with a consignment of computers and material for prefab classes.

The man, known only as Mr Mashego, is said to have approached a number of schools promising them resources – if the schools pay the necessary courier fees.

Coega Primary School paid R2 500 towards the scam, while Douglas Mbopa High School was asked to deposit R2 800 for delivery upfront and to have R68 000 ready for a much-needed extra classroom equipped with computers.

Mashego claims to have been sent by either the department or premier Phumulo Masualle ’ s office, and is said to have a lot of insight into his targeted schools.

Port Elizabeth education district chief George Lukwe said his office was alerted to this when Douglas Mbopa High School principal Nicholas Bottoman called to verify Mashego ’ s deal.

Lukwe said Coega Primary School principal Xolile Mpati fell for Mashego ’ s advances and agreed with the school management team and governing body to pay the courier fee.

Bottoman, however, is said to have become suspicious when money was requested upfront to deliver the goods.

“Mr Bottoman became suspicious because he ’ s never had to pay anything to get stuff from the department.

“When we queried with the provincial and national departments, they said there was no such thing,” he said.

Mpati could not be reached yesterday and Bottoman declined to comment, referring queries to the district office.

Repeated calls to a number belonging to Mashego went unanswered as did a text message.

Lukwe said the district office issued letters to schools last week alerting them to the scam and the fraudster.

Provincial education department spokesman Malibongwe Mtima said Mashego knew a lot about the department and its people.

“When he talks to these schools, he quotes known names in the department and seemed to know exactly what schools needed,” Mtima said.

“We urge all schools not to enter into any deal with this Mr Mashego character because this is just a scam.”

“Although slow, the department is running an ICT programme with Vodacom, where we are resourcing schools with tablets and other computer equipment. For this, no school needs to fork out money.”

National Education Department spokesman Elijah Mhlanga said: “The scam has resulted in losses to companies and schools who have been duped by this person.”