BusinessLive reports that on Tuesday Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi placed the head of the provincial health department, Lesiba Arnold Malotana, on suspension with immediate effect.
Malotana has become the first casualty of the Tembisa Hospital corruption uncovered by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) that saw at least three syndicates and several smaller groups systemically looting procurement budgets by converting purchase orders and service contracts into steady revenue streams for private intermediaries and compliant officials. Whistle-blower Babita Deokaran was assassinated in August 2021 after sounding the alarm about corruption at the hospital. In a statement on Tuesday, the Gauteng provincial government reaffirmed its full support for the work of the SIU and other law-enforcement agencies.
Lesufi has appointed Dr Darion Barclay, who currently leads the department of co-operative governance and traditional affairs, as the acting health departmental head. Meanwhile, the SIU investigation identified at least 207 service providers that traded with Tembisa Hospital and it has so far referred 108 matters to the provincial health department for administrative and disciplinary action. The SIU has also compiled evidence that R122m in corrupt payments flowed to officials.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive
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