Hawks investigate alleged breach of matric results by Edumarks
The Hawks have confirmed to Weekend Argus that they are in the preliminary stages of an investigation into the alleged breach involving Edumarks and the selling of the 2024 matric results before its official release date.
Edumarks, which has reportedly been operating since 2021, claims a 97% accuracy rate for the marks sent to those wishing to gain early access to their results.
The case is currently in its infancy, with authorities working to determine the full extent of the situation.
On Monday, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube announced that there may have been a "potential breach" concerning the release of the matric results, allegedly sold to students for R100.
Gwarube, speaking at a ministerial breakfast for the top performers of the 2024 matric class, explained that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) was recently made aware of the potential breach but said she could not divulge more information due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, led by the Hawks.
The Hawks’ Colonel Katlego Mogale, confirmed the investigation to the Weekend Argus, but also did not comment further on whether Edumarks site crash was linked to the ongoing probe.
Gwarube, however did mention that the breach appeared to have occurred at the final stage of the process, involving the verified results that had already been finalized.
She further condemned the actions of Edumarks, accusing the company of preying on innocent learners and taking advantage of them financially.
"This is extremely serious because if there has been a breach in our system, we need to ensure that our systems are as secure and airtight enough as the DBE," Gwarube said.
She emphasized that the breach, if it was linked to the department, would prompt an investigation to ensure accountability.
“We have to determine if the process was secure at all levels, and if not, the necessary steps will be taken.”
Gwarube also reassured learners alike that the results have been absolutely free of manipulation, and said it did not affect the integrity of the results.
The Western Cape exam team confirmed that they did not receive any reports from learners in the Province.
Equal Education has also reserved their comment on the topic.