Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, the outgoing vice-chancellor of the University of Fort Hare, has been accused of lying under oath to keep a forensic lawyer's bank accounts frozen. Sarah Burger, a Cape Town attorney and lead forensic investigator at the university, laid perjury and crimen injuria charges against Buhlungu at the Kleinmond police station in September 2025. Burger's allegations are contained in a 27-page affidavit, which was only made public recently.
The charges against Buhlungu stem from 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 statements under oath to portray her as corrupt and damage her reputation as an attorney.
Buhlungu's affidavit alleged that the university was unaware of "deeper links" between Burger and Isaac Plaatjies, the university's former director of investigations and vetting, until Burger's arrest in 2024. However, Burger disputes this, saying her relationship with Plaatjies was purely professional and that she never paid him a cent. She also produced a council-approved organogram listing Plaatjies as a direct report in the vice-chancellor's office.
The University of Fort Hare has reacted to the allegations, describing them as "exceptionally serious". The university's spokesman, JP Roodt, said they would cooperate fully with any lawful investigation. Buhlungu did not immediately respond to requests for comment. His response will be added once received.
The case against Buhlungu has a long history, dating back to 2024 when Burger and her business partner, Bradley Conradie, were arrested in connection with the Fort Hare fraud and corruption case. The National Prosecuting Authority later withdrew the charges against her in July 2025. Burger's investigations, through her firm Horizon Forensics, helped expose alleged tender fraud and corruption at the university.
The disciplinary proceedings against Buhlungu will continue until they are concluded, according to council chair Dr Siyanda Makaula. Buhlungu resigned as vice-chancellor last week, shortly before a disciplinary hearing over his appointment of two executive directors without the required consultation and council approval. He will leave the university on October 23.
The allegations against Buhlungu raise serious questions about his integrity and the governance of the University of Fort Hare. Key points include:
Key points
- Buhlungu is accused of lying under oath to keep Burger's assets frozen.
- The university regards the allegations as exceptionally serious and will cooperate with any investigation.
- The disciplinary proceedings against Buhlungu will continue until they are concluded.
