Almost 250 Pupils who were taken to FET colleges about a month ago returned home yesterday after it was found that the person arranging their accommodation and bursary was operating under a fraudulent position.
Pupils were transported to Westcol Colleges under the pretence that a stipend would be provided for their food and transport and bursaries were provided for their studies.
It was brought to the attention of the Department of Education and Department of Higher Education that the pupils were stranded at the colleges, with nothing to eat and no classes were held days into their stay.
A man was arrested but released on bail.
“Investigations will continue and more arrests are possible,” said Gauteng Premier, Nomvula Mokonyane.
The man was arrested for fraud – using a fraudulent letterhead from the presidential programme.
The pupils returned to their families and will continue attending the colleges but will not stay on site.
A stipend for transport and meals will be provided for pupils.