The six officials arrested for PPE corruption. Photo: Supplied
The Hawks recently arrested six government officials in Mpumalanga on charges of fraud and theft in connection with the personal protective equipment procurement process during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The six department of public works employees who defrauded the state of R1.38 million by submitting deceitful claims for services, which were never provided, appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
“The scope of corruption expanded to other officials and company directors who also benefitted. The matter was reported to the Hawks in November for further probe,” said Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi.
The department of public works officials Deputy Chief Sipho Monareng (50), MacDonald Boto Sigudla (43), state accountant Bandile Jacob Ngcebo (41) and suppliers Maganeleng Antony Mashego (43), Whisky Delisa Khumalo (45) as well as Tshidi Suzen Sedibe (43) were granted a bail of R10 000 each.
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“During further investigation, it was established that Monareng facilitated the whole process. The case was finalised and handed over to the court, which issued warrants for their arrests, hence, their appearance before the court,” added Sekgotodi.
The provincial head of the Hawks, Major General Zodwa Mokoena, facilitated the finalisation of the investigation. The matter is postponed until November 2.
In another case, three months ago, three officials were arrested from the province’s department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs over personal protective equipment fraud and corruption amounting to R5.9 million.
