Six Eastern Cape Health officials, facing charges of fraud, forgery and uttering and who were arrested on suspicion of faking the qualifications that earned them their positions eight years ago, have been given bail.
Palesa Patient Molekane, an ambulance practitioner in Maletswai (formerly Aliwal North); Nonceba Maggie Mpelwane, a controller in Maletswai; Ntombizodwa Precious Sibidla, basic life support assistant at Burgersdorp; Lebuhang Eunice Raisa-busakwe, a controller in Maletswai; Sicelo Michael Sonjica, a former emergency officer in Bizana; and Sempe Johannes Mohare, an emergency care ambulance assistance practitioner, were released on R5 000 bail each.
The accused, some still dressed in their work uniforms, appeared at the Zwelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, reports Daily Dispatch.
They were arrested on Monday, some at their work stations, by the East London-based serious corruption investigation unit of the Hawks.
Matric
Hawks spokesperson W/O Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said that in 2014, the Health Department had advertised 730 positions for emergency medical care services officers in all eight districts of the Eastern Cape. Requirements included a matric certificate or equivalent.
“The six officials applied, were shortlisted, interviewed and started work in April 2015. On 24 March 2022, they were asked to submit their original certificates but allegedly failed to (do so).
“The department embarked on verification of qualification (and) their grade 12 certificates were declared fraudulent and the matter referred to the Hawks for investigation.”
Mhlakuvana said the investigation had further revealed that the department had been prejudiced by more than R7.9m.
The accused will return to the East London Regional Court on 11 September after their case.
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