Three senior Health officials arrested in R1m fraud case
Three senior Department of Health officials have been arrested on allegations of fraud and theft totalling more than R1 million.
Dr Malixole Mahlathi, Deputy Director-General for Tertiary Health and Hospital Services and former Acting Head of Corporate Services; Chief Financial Officer Mr Phineas Phaswa Mamogale and Director-General Dr Sabelo Siyabonga Sandile Buthelezi were served with warrants of arrest by the Hawks on Monday.
They have been under investigation since April 2024 and made a brief appearance in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
It is alleged that in 2023, over R1 million was irregularly awarded to a service provider in violation of the Public Finance Management Act.
The company linked to one of the accused has also been charged as a juristic person, as the funds were allegedly paid into that entity.
Acting government spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa confirmed the government is aware of the developments.
“The fight against corruption remains an apex priority for government as part of its commitment to building a safer, ethical and corruption-free South Africa. This development aligns with the 2026 State of the Nation Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa, in which he underscored the need to intensify efforts against organised crime and systemic corruption, identifying these as critical threats to democracy and economic stability,” she said.
Meanwhile, Health Department spokesperson Mr Foster Mohale said Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has not yet been fully briefed on the circumstances surrounding the arrests and will issue a statement once he has received a full report.
All three accused were granted bail of R10,000 each, and the case has been postponed to 3 June.
A fourth suspect is yet to be arrested.
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