Criminal charges have been laid in Pretoria over allegations that access to higher education is being sold during the registration rush. The EFF Youth Command said it opened fraud and corruption cases at Brooklyn SAPS, claiming syndicates are exploiting desperate students and families with promises of admission or placement.

The group alleges some people demand between R3 000 and R4 000 for university and TVET placements, accommodation, and bursaries. It says evidence has been handed to police and urged students and parents to report suspected scams linked to social media and messaging platforms.