Pastor and his wife linked to R114 million corruption, theft and money laundering scheme

A pastor’s wife is accused of benefiting from a R114 million corruption, theft and money laundering scheme involving the Mpumalanga Department of Education.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) provided details about the scheme in a social media post.

It said that Thandekile Sibiya, wife of co-accused pastor Bongani Sibiya, appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 15 October 2026.

Thandekile Sibiya was arrested on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, following an ongoing investigation into the alleged corruption, theft and money laundering.

This case involves R114 million in Department of Education funds which have been pilfered through the scheme.

The matter has already seen 40 accused persons, including her husband, arrested in February 2026.

The investigation has allegedly linked Thandekile Sibiya to the proceeds of crime channelled through four companies and her husband.

Her arrest marks a further development in the extensive investigation aimed at bringing to justice all those implicated in the alleged scheme.

She appeared in court alongside co-accused Zama Fakude, who handed himself over to police this morning.

Fakude is a company director whose company allegedly benefited by more than R1 million from the suspected corrupt activities.

He was remanded in custody, with the bail application postponed to 21 October 2026 to allow for further investigation.

Thandekile Sibiya’s appearance followed that of her husband, Pastor Bongani Sibiya, who successfully applied for the relaxation of his bail conditions.

This was to enable him to attend a church men’s conference outside South Africa later this month.

Thandekile Sibiya is expected to return to court on 1 December 2026, alongside her 39-year-old co-accused, including her husband. She was granted R10,000 bail.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, said they are committed to pursuing complex commercial crime investigations.

“The investigation continues, and all persons implicated in the matter will be afforded the opportunity to answer to the allegations in court,” he said.