Another matric exam paper leaked, Hawks lead investigations

The Department says Physical Science Paper 2 was leaked and disseminated before learners sat down for the exam yesterday morning. 

The Council of Education Ministers held an urgent meeting yesterday afternoon to discuss implications and the tightening of security.

This comes as investigations into last week's leaked Maths Paper 2 continues.

Teams have been dispatched to provinces to re-evaluate the security of question papers. 

READ: CONFIRMED: Maths paper 2 leaked several hours before exam

The department says it's dismayed by the latest scandal. Last week, Maths Paper 2 leaked in eight provinces. 

To assist that investigation, the department has roped in the Hawks.

In a statement yesterday, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga condemned the leaks. She said the leaks added more stress to learners who are not involved. 

“It is unfortunate that people continue to be involved in something like this even though the consequences can be dire. 

"We condemn in the strongest terms the conduct of persons who undermine the integrity of the examination because it causes untold stress on the learners who are looking forward to exiting the schooling system with a pass from an honest examination, not one associated with cheating,” Motshekga said.

ALSO READ: KZN matriculants confess to being in possession of maths paper leak

CEM considered several options that are meant to further protect the exams but for security reasons these would not be divulged. 

“We want to reassure the public that we are hard at work to ensure that we protect the examinations. The Hawks have been helpful in working with us and they are encouraging developments coming from their side,” Motshekga said.

Learners who are found to have been in possession of the leaked question paper could face a three-year ban from writing the NSC exam.

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