The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has announced plans to open a criminal case of fraud against Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, escalating a long-running controversy surrounding his academic qualifications and placing renewed pressure on one of the ANC’s senior provincial leaders.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the EFF said it would formally lay charges against Mabuyane at the kuGompo Police Station on Thursday morning, accusing him of fraudulently enrolling for a Master of Administration degree at the University of Fort Hare and subsequently attempting to gain admission into the institution’s PhD programme.
The party alleges that Mabuyane’s enrolment into the postgraduate programme, his conduct during his studies, and his alleged attempt to pursue doctoral studies were all based on false pretences.
“This follows his fraudulent enrolment into the Master of Administration degree programme at the University of Fort Hare, his fraudulent conduct within the programme and his fraudulent attempt to obtain admission at the University’s PhD programme, under the false pretences that he holds a Master of Administration Degree,” the EFF said.
The allegations stem from findings and disputes linked to the University of Fort Hare, where questions were raised over the legitimacy of Mabuyane’s academic work and the processes that led to the awarding of qualifications. The matter has since evolved into a high-profile political and legal battle involving senior government officials, university management and political parties.
The EFF says the criminal complaint will be lodged at 10am on Thursday at the kuGompo Police Station in East London.
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