Possible matric results leak under investigation by Hawks – minister

Gwarube

Cape Town – The Department of Basic Education has confirmed a possible breach involving matric exam results.

Minister Siviwe Gwarube announced on Monday that the State Security Agency and the Hawks will join the investigation into the leak.

“It became clear to us about 48 hours ago that there is a potential breach in our information. And what that means is, and I need to clarify that there are multiple steps in the putting and compiling together of the matric results.

“The breach seems to have happened only at the tale-end that pertains to the verified results that have already been finalised,” the minister said on Monday while briefing the media.

She added: “I’m not able to say definitively if in fact the results have been leaked because we have enlisted the services of the Hawks and State Security. We are grateful to them for being able to step in as quickly as possible to try and assist us in terms of a speedy investigation.”

The minister described the possible breach of matric results as “extremely serious”.

She said that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is reviewing its security processes to determine if the breach occurred within their systems.

Gwarube expressed concern about the exploitation of students, saying that criminals have been targeting learners and taking their money.

“They have been praying on innocent learners and siphoning them of money.

“We want an arrest to be made and are confident of this,” she said.

This follows outrage over a Johannesburg-based company, Edumarks, which advertised the sale of matric results for a fee, The Citizen reported.

The company claimed to provide results, including subjects and percentages, and offered a 100% money-back guarantee if the results could not be retrieved.

Edumarks, operating since 2022, faced criticism for profiting off the situation.

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