It is believed that 52 year old Tinyiko Khosa, founder of the New Era College and Madzahisi College in Malamulele, has been sending witnesses SMSes stating that if they testify against him, they will die.
“Khosa must be denied bail because the lives of witnesses are in danger, there has been SMSes sent to them threatening that if they testify they will die,” said the State prosecutor Martha Shiluvane.
“It is in the interest of this court to make sure that the witnesses are safe and protected,” she further stated.
The paper leak investigation led the Hawks to Gauteng province, where several people provided statements which tracked the origin of the leak back to Limpopo two days before the paper was written.
“The suspect has been arrested after he handed himself over to the Hawks in Giyani Police Station on Tuesday afternoon”, said Captain Matimba Maluluke of the Hawks.
It is alleged that the paper was leaked through WhatsApp messages that were believed to have been seen by at least 100 learners in 10 Limpopo high schools, while others believe that the paper was distributed among his pupils at a private lodge.
The Limpopo learners need not rewrite the maths paper, because only a few learners were involved in the leak, and those involved would face disciplinary proceedings.
“It has therefore been determined that a rewrite will not be necessary,” said Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga’s spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga.
An investigation would be conducted to determine if the credibility of the examination has been compromised.
Khosa will remain in police custody and will appear again before the Giyani Magistrates court on December 19.
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