Former finance clerk jailed for embezzling over R800k from Pretoria School

By Levy Masiteng 

A former finance clerk was handed a three-year jail sentence, suspended for five years, for stealing R846 000 from Laerskool Akasia in Pretoria, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said on Monday.

The conviction was handed down on 9 June 2025, finding Lorraine Scheepers guilty of fraud and theft.

Last week, Scheepers was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, with five years’ suspension, and ordered to repay R210 000 to the school by the Pretoria North Magistrate Court.

According to the GDE, Scheepers stole approximately R846 000 in school funds between 2019 and 2021 and manipulated bank statements to conceal the theft.

The department’s Anti-Corruption Unit launched an investigation following an anonymous tip-off, uncovering the fraudulent activities.

“The GDE commends its Anti-Corruption Unit for its diligent work in ensuring accountability and reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on corruption and financial misconduct within schools,” said Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane.

The department urged all school communities to report any suspected irregularities through official GDE channels.

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