Hawks Arrest Eastern Cape Health Spokesperson for Fraudulent Employment Credentials
In a significant development in the ongoing fight against corruption, the Serious Corruption Investigation team of the Hawks, based in East London, apprehended Sizwe Kupelo (47) on charges of fraud, forgery, and uttering on April 24, 2024.
Reports reveal that Kupelo’s alleged misdeeds trace back to March 2002 when he purportedly applied for a Communication Officer position at the office of the Premier in Bhisho. Successfully employed in April of the same year, he subsequently secured a role as Deputy Director of Communications at the Department of Health in Bhisho later in November.
However, a skills and qualifications audit conducted by the Department of Health in 2020 unearthed startling revelations. It was discovered that during Kupelo’s tenure, he lacked the necessary matric certificate for his employment. Instead, he allegedly submitted a falsified certificate to secure his position.
Following the Department of Health’s referral, the Hawks initiated a thorough investigation, substantiating the allegations against Kupelo.
On April 24, 2024, Kupelo was apprehended by the Hawks and made a brief appearance at Zwelitsha Magistrates’ court. He was subsequently released on R30,000 bail and is scheduled to reappear in the same court on April 30, 2024, for a Regional court date.
Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, the Provincial Head, commended the investigative team for their unwavering commitment to upholding justice without bias.
Meanwhile, the Health Department acknowledged Kupelo’s arrest and bail release, emphasizing their stance on promoting transparency and integrity in governance. The department affirmed its readiness to cooperate with any investigation aimed at fortifying the integrity of public service delivery in the Eastern Cape.
As the case unfolds, it underscores the imperative for rigorous vetting processes and the relentless pursuit of accountability to safeguard against fraudulent activities within government institutions.
No tags for this post.
