Three senior Department of Health officials, including the department’s Director-General (DG), who were arrested on Monday, have been granted bail of R10 000 each after appearing in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria.
The three -- Deputy Director General of Tertiary Health and Hospital Services Dr Malixole Percival Mahlati , Chief Financial Officer Phineas Phaswa Mamogale (45) and the Director-General, Sabelo Siyabonga Sandile Buthelezi -- are facing charges of fraud worth more than R1 million and theft.
Buthelezi is facing an additional charge of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
“It is alleged that between 30 August 2023 and 28 September 2023, the three accused acted in common purpose and irregularly appointed two service providers, Ithani Amen (PTY) Ltd and N Mbileni J Tohlang-Nkopane Inc, in a labour-related matter.
“Ithani Amen was appointed as an independent investigator, and N Mbileni J Tohlang-Nkopane as chairperson for a disciplinary hearing held against the suspended Chief Director of Labour Relations at the [department]. Both service providers were paid via the Global Fund, which aimed to assist the department in training and relief in outbreaks,” National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, said.
They were reported by the Forensic Investigator to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) for investigation.
“After investigations by members of the Hawks’ National Serious Corruption Investigations, the three accused were arrested after they handed themselves over to the Pretoria Central Police station on 2 March 2026.
“In court, the State did not oppose their release on bail. The State submitted an affidavit from Investigating Officer Captain Clinton Leonard Arrikum, stating that the accused have no previous convictions or pending matters against them, that they do not pose a flight risk and that they will not disturb the public order when released on bail,” Mahanjana stated.
The case has been postponed to June for further investigations.
Meanwhile, the department said Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has noted the arrests.
“At this juncture, the Minister is still in the dark about circumstances surrounding the arrest of the three. As soon as the Minister has been fully briefed about this matter, he will issue a statement.
“For now, all the Minister can say is that whatever the circumstances, the law must take its course,” the department said in a short statement. – SAnews.gov.za
