An Australian woman was sentenced to at least one year in prison after lying on her CV to get a government job which pays $185,000 (R1.8 million) a year.
According to CNN Veronica Hilda Theriault, was charged in September 2017 with deception, dishonestly while dealing with documents and abuse of public office.
The accused then pleaded guilty to all the charges made against her.
She recently sentenced to 25 months of jail time where she is not eligible to any parole.
ABC news reported that the woman had applied for the Chief Information Officer job with the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Her application was filled with fake references, fake education information and embellished work history.
The judge presiding over the case explained that the woman’s CV led to her being interviewed for the job.
She also pretended to be one of the references when a recruiter called as part of the hiring process.
“She gave glowing feedback at your performance, but in fact you were impersonating Ms. Best,” the district court Judge Michael Boylan said.
With the unemployment rate in South Africa is sitting at 29% - the highest since 2008, many people are unemployed and might be tempted to do just about anything to get a job.
According to BusinessTech, a new law in South Africa, which is the Qualifications Amendment Bill, was implemented to make sure that those who lie on their CV are put behind bars.
The law applies if you are found guilty of lying about your background, qualifications or misrepresenting your credentials and for that you can get up to five years jail time.
According to Careers 24 many individuals have lied about their qualifications, these people include the former SABC Chief Operating Officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng, who reportedly lied about having a matric qualification.
The former chairperson of the South African Airways board Chairperson, Dudu Myeni also admitted to not having her Bachelor’s degree.
