By Antony Sguazzin and Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Caption: Department of Health Director General (DG) Dr Sandile Buthelezi. (Image: DOH).
Dr Sandile Buthelezi, the director-general of Department of Health, has been arrested and charged with fraud along with an acting deputy director general and the department’s chief financial officer.
The three, who appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, were charged with violating the Public Finance Management Act in a payment of more than R1 million ($62 160) to a service provider in 2023, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) said in a statement.
The service provider wasn’t named, and its owner is being sought for arrest, the directorate said.
Buthelezi and the other two officials were granted bail of R10 000 each and will next appear in court on June 3.
In 2021, Buthelezi was placed on precautionary suspension after an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into the Digital Vibes communications contract scandal that engulfed the department.
A disciplinary inquiry later that year cleared him of the charges and his suspension was lifted. Former health minister Zweli Mkhize resigned over the Digital Vibes scandal.
Meanwhile, the government said it noted the arrests of the three senior officials in connection with an ongoing investigation into allegations of theft and fraud.
“As the matter is under active investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, no further details can be disclosed at this stage,” acting government spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said.
Mnukwa said the fight against corruption remained a top priority for the government as part of its commitment to building a safer, ethical and corruption-free South Africa.