Digital Vibes accused Popo Maja granted bail
The former spokesperson for the Department of Health Popo Maja has been granted bail of R5000.
Maja is facing corruption-related charges for his alleged involvement in the Digital Vibes tender scandal.
The 63-year-old veteran spin doctor appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday.
He is accused of receiving gratification of R15 000 from Digital Vibes after it was awarded the R141 million tender.
In 2019, Maja was appointed as a member of the Bid Specification and Bid Evaluation Committee which was tasked to appoint a service provider to provide communication services in relation to the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill.
"It is alleged that in November 2019 the Bid Evaluation Committee members set to evaluate bidders for functional and technical evaluation after Digital Vibes was recommended to be contracted the bid amount of over R141 million, for a period of 12 months," said NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana
"It is alleged that an amount of R10 000 was paid into Maja’s personal bank account, from the Digital Vibes bank account. A month later on 05 December 2019 an amount of R 5000 was paid again to his personal account by Digital Vibes."
Health spokesperson Foster Mohale said the department it will allow the law to take its course.
"The Department upholds its position of zero tolerance to fraud and corruption and will allow the legal process to take its course without any interference.
"The department believes in the principle of innocent until proven guilty, and the procedural fairness will be adhered to in order to afford Mr Maja space and opportunity to deal with the case."
The matter was postponed to 19 July for disclosure of contents of the docket.
An SIU investigation found the awarding of the R150 million-rand contract granted to the KZN-based communications company was irregular.
Digital Vibes is understood to be run by former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize's former personal assistant.
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