The lawyer representing former Gauteng Health CFO Kabelo Lehloenya has insisted that Premier David Makhura and his government introduced the risk of harm that led to financial losses incurred from the allegedly unlawful PPE contracts.
According to an EWN report, a Special Tribunal virtual sitting was held last week hearing arguments in the matter. This comes after the SIU’s application that Lehloenya, former department head Mkhululi Lukhele and the MEC for Health in the province be held liable for the financial losses suffered by the department.
Lehloenya’s lawyer, Sunday Ogunronbi, has argued that the decision by the National Treasury, implemented by the provincial government, to centralise procurement of PPE at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, imposed “extraordinary and additional responsibility” on his client. He said the risk of harm created by the decision had a material effect on Lehloenya’s contract of employment. He further argued that the alleged losses incurred, which amount to hundreds of millions of rands, were the natural direct consequence of the centralisation decision.
Lehloenya wants Makhura and the government to be held jointly liable for the damages should she be found guilty of any wrongdoing.
EWN article – Makhura caused financial losses through illegal PPP contracts, tribunal hears
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Tribunal told that Gauteng premier Makhura failed to prevent PPE corruption
SIU looting probe: Top Gauteng Health officials to pay back R30m
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