The Gauteng Provincial Government on Friday placed the two senior officials on precautionary suspension following a probe into improper procurement and payment of service providers at Tembisa Hospital.
The Gauteng Health Department confirmed that its chief financial officer (CFO) Lerato Madyo and chief executive officer (CEO) of Tembisa Hospital, Ashley Mthunzi, have been placed on precautionary suspension with immediate effect.
The department said the pair were suspended to prevent interference with the ongoing investigation into dodgy tenders’ worth over R850 million.
These irregularities were highlighted by whistle-blower Babita Deokaran who died in a hail of bullets in August 2021.
“Given the seriousness of the allegations and the possible link to the murder case of Babita Deokaran – former chief director of finance, exemplary public servant, and courageous whistle-blower who was brutally killed a year ago – the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been appointed to investigate these allegations with urgency,” the department said in a statement.
Premier David Makhura has welcomed the precautionary suspensions and confirmed that the Gauteng government has referred the matter to the SIU for forensic investigation on an urgent basis.
Makhura said the South African Police Service (SAPS) through its Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, has also confirmed that the murder case of Deokaran is receiving the full attention of law enforcement agencies.
To date, five suspects currently appearing before the court are in the process of applying for bail and the state is opposing this application.
“We want all those responsible for plotting and carrying out the killing of Deokaran to be brought to book. We want the corrupt in government and their cahoots in the private sector to face the consequences of their evil deeds.
“We have been taking steps to strengthen measures to prevent, detect, investigate and institute both disciplinary action and civil claims against public officials and service providers involved in corrupt procurement practices,” said Makhura.
Furthermore, the premier confirmed that the Head of the Department at Health, Dr Nomonde Nolutshungu received threats from “anonymous sources”.
“Nolutshungu brought to my attention the threats she received through an email. I immediately directed the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant-GeneralElias Mawela, to take appropriate steps to address these threats and find those responsible. The state has a duty to protect whistle-blowers and upright public servants.
“We will never surrender to the crooks and corrupt elements; and will do everything in our power to fight corruption and state capture with every iota of our being”, he said.
Nolutshungu has also opened a criminal case with the SAPS.
Mailoane Lerato
