JOHANNESBURG – Department of Basic Education staff linked to the leaking of three exam papers in Tshwane have been suspended.
Minister Siviwe Gwarube confirmed on Thursday of the members involved was a parent of a matriculant sitting for their exams. The parent is a DBE employee.
To tighten the net, Gwarube says the matter has also been reported to the police.
The reason for this, says the Minister is that there was a deliberate possession of 'stolen State property'.
The department reported a breach in the exam after six scripts were flagged during the marking process on 2 December.
The Gauteng Education department was notified, who later notified the national department. Investigations found that three exam papers, English Home Language, Physical Science and Mathematics had been leaked.
After interviewing several pupils, an additional 26 students were compromised. It also came to light that seven schools in the Tshwane area were affected by the breach.
Gwarube says that cheating will not be tolerated and systems are in place to catch anyone, learner or official, seeking to manipulate the system.
Umalusis says they are satisfied with steps take to address the culprits.