By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@SizweKupelo.
The Eastern Cape Deputy Director of Communications at the department of health Sizwe Kupelo has been released on R30 000 bail by the Zwelitsha magistrates Court in the Eastern Cape.
Kupelo(47) made a brief appearance in the Zwelitsha Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
He is facing charges of fraud, forgery and uttering.
Hawks Eastern Cape spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndimphiwe Mhlakuvana said he handed himself over to the police where he was processed at the Fleet Street police station before making his court appearance.
“His employment allegedly started in April 2002 when he was affiliated with the communication department. The allegations further indicated that he forged his matric certificate,” Mhlakuvana said.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Health Department noted Kupelo’s arrest.
Spokesperson Mkhululi Ndamase said however that they would not be commenting further on the matter.
“The department will cooperate with any investigation that seeks to strengthen the integrity of the services that we render to the people of the Eastern Cape,’ says Ndamase.
In 2022 Kupelo received an honourary doctorate from the Trinity International Bible University.
His foundation, the Sizwe Kupelo Foundation said in a social media post that he worked as a journalist before joining the public service more than 20 years ago. The entry also says he received training at the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation in Oslo, Norway.
However, two days ago, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Blade Nzimande, said in a statement that the Trinity International Bible University was not a registered private higher education institution and was not authorised to offer any qualifications, including honourary degrees.