Wits probes financial aid scam

Recent media reports have suggested that a number of Wits University students were approached by three individuals posing as Motsepe Foundation representatives and claiming they could give them financial aid.

Speaking to City Buzz, spokesperson for the university, Shirona Patel, said the institution was investigating the matter and that no money had been extracted from the students as a result of the scam.

“Some students allege that they have been misled by two other students and a former student,” Patel said. “The matter was brought to the attention of the university in recent weeks and an investigation is being conducted by the Wits Legal Office. The university is in contact with the affected students and will advise them on alternative funding options, for which they may be eligible to apply.”

The foundation’s Sandile Langa said, “We were not aware of the alleged fraud until we were approached by the media a week or so ago. We take the allegations very seriously [and] have referred the matter to our lawyers for them to investigate further and to advise us on the way forward, with a view to laying criminal charges against the individuals concerned.”

Langa said the foundation had a system in place for those in need of financial assistance. “We would, however, like to appeal to members of the public who wish to contact the Motsepe Foundation to do so on the contact details set out on our website. We do not operate through individuals who approach the public with offers of assistance,” he said.

It is not known what the motive behind the scam was, and no one has been arrested. City Buzz will provide updates once more information is made available.

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