The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has launched both criminal and internal investigations, after a student participated in a CPUT graduation and posed as a bona fide graduand in order to walk the stage and be capped.
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This comes after a student who was identified as Sihle Joseph on social media platforms entered the graduation venue, impersonating another graduand by the name of Thandile Javu, who was late on the day. According to the university, Sihle was last registered as a student in 2023 and was not eligible for graduation.
“Hard work pays off” 😭😭😭😭🤚🏾🤚🏾🤚🏾 https://t.co/7ECkDgnjvT pic.twitter.com/BEYTJikJeh
— SHIMATSATSA 🧚🏾♀️ 🎀 (@Boity_tshivhase) April 16, 2026
People are going to the lengths of stealing graduations gowns and degrees for content now 😹😹 pic.twitter.com/nsi41pxumI
— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) April 16, 2026
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Speaking to BONA, CPUT spokesperson, Lauren Kansley, said investigations are underway.
“We await an affidavit from the victim, and will then escalate the matter to SAPS for formal fraud charges to be laid. We are investigating whether he bought tickets from someone else to gain access to the hall. Once inside, he allegedly picked up a name card belonging to the victim and used that to walk across the stage.
“The victim in the matter arrived approximately three hours late for graduation which left her seat and name card unused, and this was taken advantage of by the alleged perpetrator. The incident received attention from our senior Assessment and Graduation staff members almost immediately after the graduation ceremony ended, and we are working with the victim to ensure she either receives her original certificate or a replacement.”
Also see: Beauty with brains: Buhle B celebrates Wits graduation
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