Makhura suspends Gauteng Health’s head of department amid PPE probe
Premier David Makhura has placed Gauteng Health’s head of department Professor Mkhululi Lukhele on precautionary suspension.
Spokesperson for the Gauteng premier Vuyo Mhaga says Makhura is acting on the recommendations contained in a report by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
“The SIU found that Lukhele failed to exercise his responsibility in the awarding of contracts to certain companies for the procurement of goods and services in relation to the government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The actions, or omission by the HoD may have resulted in the department incurring fruitless and wasteful expenditure."
The SIU is probing allegations of corruption in the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the province as well as the officials who allegedly enabled and facilitated large-scale corruption.
Lukhele will remain on precautionary suspension pending the completion of the investigations by the SIU and disciplinary proceedings for misconduct.
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