EMS workers in E Cape appear in court over fraudulent matric certificates

Five EMS workers employed by the Eastern Cape Health Department have briefly appeared before the East London Commercial Crimes Court.

They allegedly fraudulently falsified their matric certificates in order to gain employment as Basic Ambulance Assistants.

The incident happened in 2015 after a whistleblower alerted authorities and a case was opened in 2023.

All the accused are from the Joe Gqabi District.

“Initially there were six EMS staff, however, one admitted guilt and resigned from the department and was sentenced after appearing in court. A disciplinary hearing was held and all five were found guilty, however, they appealed the sentences. The case was postponed to the 21st, 22nd and 23rd January 2026. The department is against all forms of corruption and people are encouraged to report acts of corruption to this Toll-Free number 0800 701 701,” Department’s spokesperson, Siyanda Manana explains.