Embattled outgoing University of Fort Hare vice-chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu has been accused of making false statements under oath. Sarah Burger, a Cape Town attorney and lead forensic investigator at the university, has laid perjury and crimen injuria charges against Buhlungu. Burger's charges stem from an affidavit she submitted to the Kleinmond police station in September 2025, alleging that Buhlungu lied in court papers to portray her as corrupt and damage her reputation as an attorney.
The allegations against Buhlungu relate to his affidavit supporting a provisional restraint order that froze Burger's assets along with those of others accused in a fraud and corruption case. The order was granted on March 18, 2025, but was later set aside on May 27, 2025. Burger claims that Buhlungu made false claims in his affidavit, including that the university was unaware of "deeper links" between Burger and Isaac Plaatjies, the university's former director of investigations and vetting.
Buhlungu's affidavit also alleged that Burger and others had "underhanded dealings" with Plaatjies and that she had financed the acquisition of his million-rand house. However, Burger denies these allegations, stating that her relationship with Plaatjies was purely professional and that she had never paid him a cent. The charges against Burger were later dropped by the National Prosecuting Authority in July 2025.
The University of Fort Hare has responded to the allegations, stating that they regard them as "exceptionally serious" and will cooperate fully with any lawful investigation. The university's spokesman, JP Roodt, said that they were not previously aware of the criminal complaint lodged by Burger against Buhlungu. The university has since been furnished with the supporting affidavit and has been invited to comment.
Buhlungu resigned as vice-chancellor last week Monday, shortly before a disciplinary hearing over his appointment of two executive directors without the required consultation and council approval. In his resignation letter, he claimed that the disciplinary process had been set up to reach a predetermined outcome. However, the council rejected the claim and agreed to shorten his notice period, allowing him to leave on October 23.
Burger's investigations through her firm, Horizon Forensics, helped expose alleged tender fraud and corruption at the university. Her work also included allegations of academic fraud against Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane, which he has denied. The Makhanda High Court granted the state a provisional restraint order on March 18, 2025, freezing her assets along with those of others accused in the case.
The case against Buhlungu will continue to unfold, with the council chair, Dr Siyanda Makaula, stating that the disciplinary proceedings will continue until they are concluded. Buhlungu did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but his response will be added once received. The university has emphasized its commitment to cooperating with any lawful investigation and respecting the independence and integrity of the criminal justice system.
Key points
- University of Fort Hare vice-chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu has been accused of making false statements under oath to keep a forensic lawyer's bank accounts frozen.
- The allegations against Buhlungu relate to his affidavit supporting a provisional restraint order that froze the assets of Sarah Burger and others accused in a fraud and corruption case.
- Buhlungu resigned as vice-chancellor last week Monday, shortly before a disciplinary hearing over his appointment of two executive directors without the required consultation and council approval.
