Former UJ chairperson arrested by Hawks for a R14 million grant fraud

The former Chairperson, Roy David Marcus (76) handed himself over to the DPCI at the Johannesburg Serious Commercial Crime Investigation on Friday, 13 October, for arrest.

This comes amidst allegations of collusion at the University of Johannesburg involving over R14 million. It is reported that Marcus together with his two accomplices colluded together by submitting invoices to the university for services that were not rendered by the service provider, however the money was approved and paid by one of the accomplices without proper procurement procedures being followed to appoint the three companies involved.

Marcus did not have the delegation or authority to approve such payments thus breaching the Code of Conduct of the University of Johannesburg as they failed by not exercising due care and skill as well failing to act in the interest of the university. He and his accomplices misrepresented themselves to the university. Marcus subsequent to his arrest appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crimes court sitting in Palm Ridge Magistrates court and the matter has been postponed to 4 December for docket disclosure. 

Marcus was released on a warning and will be joined by van Schoor and Spilhaus. Roy David Marcus was arrested and the two accused, the Vice Chancellor of Finance, Andries van Schoor as well as Adreas Spilhaus, A Director at Clarify Investment Corporation were arrested on 30 August 2023 and since appeared in court then released on a R10 000 bail each.

Marcus was the Director of the companies that were awarded tenders without following undue processes and he was the Chairperson of the Board of University of Johannesburg. The Provincial Head of DPCI in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa welcomed the arrest and encouraged the investigations team to follow all leads that will ensure that all involved are brought to book.