By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Gauteng health department have confirmed the death of suspended Tembisa Hospital CEO Dr Ashley Mthunzi, who was also known as “Mr Skinny Jeans”.
Mthunzi (45) was suspended after being implicated in the forensic investigation report by the Special Investigating Unit on fraud, corruption, and maladministration at the hospital.
The SIU is probing the alleged irregular awarding of tenders to more than 200 service providers by the hospital supply chain management.
In 2021, whistle-blower Babita Deokaran flagged irregular tenders worth more than R850 million at the same hospital, she was later assassinated.
Gauteng Health department head of communication Motalatale Modiba said, they’ve learnt with sadness about the untimely death of Dr Mthunzi.
“The Department extends the deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Dr Mthunzi as they navigate through this difficult period of mourning.” added Modiba.
Mthunzi was considered controversial because of a string of suspicious purchases the hospital made while under his helm.
These include buying 2 000 hand towels for about R230 each, 100 leather armchairs for R500 000, and spending almost R500 000 on skinny jeans, which he denied.
Mthunzi was suspended as hospital CEO in August 2022, as was chief financial officer (CFO) Lerato Madyo.
Nine other officials, Duduzile Nobugwana (administration clerk), LH Mojela (director supply chain), Vuyani Chako (physiotherapist), MA Maphumulo (chief physiotherapist), NL Kobe (financial clerk), DE Monnakgotla (assistant manager nursing), Puleng Mtuze (financial clerk), Vuyikazi Mtwezi (food service manager), and Dr Radulescu (medical officer), were suspended in August last year after being implicated in the Special Investigating Unit (SIU)’s report into the hospital’s contracts.
The report, published in December 2022, found fraudulent suppliers were irregularly appointed at the hospital.