3 senior health officials barred from returning to work after corruption, fraud arrests

Three senior health officials have been prohibited from returning to work after being arrested on charges of fraud and corruption.

Health Director General Sandile Buthelezi, his deputy, Malixole Mahlathi, and the department’s chief financial officer, Phaswa Mamogale, made a brief appearance in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday.

The trio is accused of defrauding the national Department of Health (DoH) of R1 million through the awarding of irregular contracts to a service provider.

They were released on R10,000 bail each and the matter postponed to 3 June 2026 for further investigations.

Gauteng’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, explaine: “They were each granted bail of R10,000 with conditions that they should not be allowed at their work premises until the conclusion of the matter, hand over their passports to the investigating officer, inform the investigating officer when intending to travel outside Gauteng and not to directly or indirectly contact any witnesses.”

It is alleged that between 30 August 2023 and 28 September 2023 the three accused acted in common purpose and irregularly appointed two service providers, Ithani Amen (PTY) Ltd and N Mbileni J Tohlang-Nkopane Inc, in a labour related matter.

Ithani Amen (PTY) Ltd was appointed as an independent investigator and N Mbileni J Tohlang-Nkopane Inc as chairperson for a disciplinary hearing held against suspended Chief Director of Labour Relations at the national DoH.

Both service providers were paid via the Global Fund, aimed to assist the department with training and relief in outbreaks.