UJ

Credit: UJ

University of Johannesburg set to recover stolen R14m from execs

The University of Johannesburg had lost R14m after two senior executives allegedly carried out some serious dodgy operations. Now, the university wants its money back.

UJ

Credit: UJ

The Univerity of Johannesburg (UJ) looks set to recover more than R14m from two former executives. The two senior executives managed to syphon money out of the institution by carrying out multiple “well-calculated” acts of fraud.

Former chairperson of the university’s council, Professor Roy Marcus and fired deputy vice chancellor of finance, Jaco van Schoor, have not opposed the application for damages brought against them in the South Gauteng High Court.

Last week, Judge Phillip Coppin granted an order against the companies through which they stole the money as well as the pair themselves.

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The order was drawn up by lawyers out of court and stated that Marcus and Van Schoor should both pay the money back to UJ. At the same time, this will not stop the pair from facing any criminal charges.

The EFF Student Command is one of the student groups demanding such charges.

“That is exactly what we have been calling for. Now that the money will be recovered, we want them to face criminal charges. The money could have been used to do many things at the institution. We are now waiting for the police to arrest them. They have to be prosecuted,” former EFF student command chairperson and activist Zwelakhe Mahlamvu told IOL.

UJ laid charges against both men in December and the case was taken over by the Hawks in early 2018.

Marcus resigned in September “without admitting any wrongdoing” while Van Schoor was fired after being found guilty of disciplinary proceedings.

In the affidavit, it was revealed that Marcus and Van Schoor stole money that was meant for installing solar geysers and university residences and other premises.

The men then tried to mask the money by creating fake documents showing that the companies had carried out work for the university.

“No services of any value to UJ had been rendered to UJ and therefore no value had been received by (the university), in return for the amounts paid,” said the institution’s affidavit.