Three senior Department of Health officials, including Director-General Sabelo Buthelezi, have been granted R10 000 bail each after being arrested on charges of fraud and theft exceeding R1 million.
Also facing charges are Deputy Director-General Dr Malixole Mahlati and CFO Phineas Mamogale (45). Buthelezi faces an additional charge for contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
The trio allegedly irregularly appointed two service providers in a labour-related matter between August and September 2023, paying them via the Global Fund, which is meant for training and outbreak relief.
The officials were investigated by the Hawks after being reported by a forensic investigator and handed themselves over to police on 2 March. The case has been postponed to June 2026 for further investigations.
The Department of Health said Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi is awaiting full briefing before commenting but stressed that “the law must take its course.”
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