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In 2007, they awarded a contract that was initially estimated at R57 million for R1.2 billion.
Sybil Ngcobo, Mmakgosi Mosupi, Valdis Romaano and Obakeng Mookeletsi appear before the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on October 22, 2020 on charges of corruption. Image: Xanderleigh Dookey / EWN
JOHANNESBURG – The four former Gauteng Health Department officials who have been charged with fraud and corruption are being accused of not only awarding a R1.2 billion contract without following procurement procedures, but also challenging the Directives from the Treasury that said there was no money and that the contract could not start.
Two directors of the companies that received the contract are outside the country, but the National Prosecutor’s Office (NPA) said that the network was reaching out to them and their companies as well.
The NPA alleges that after the contract was awarded, the officials received bribes, including houses and furniture.
The Palm Ridge Commercial Crimes Court released Sybil Ngcobo on bail of 8,000 rand and Mmakgosi Mosupi, Valdis Romano and Obakeng Mookeletsi on bail of 25,000 rand each.
In 2007, they awarded a contract that was initially estimated at R57 million for R1.2 billion.
Sipho Ngwema of the NPA: “This is where we allege that there was corruption, either a conflict of interest when the companies were named and two, there was no competitive bidding.”
But there is more.
“Also, when those deviations were made, it was assumed that the award had not been carried out because the MEC of Finance had said that the R1.2 billion contract could not be awarded because there were no funds for it, but officials that appeared in court were in advance and signed service level agreements. “
Ngwema said arrests of more officials were imminent, but the big question is will they include then-MEC of Health Brian Hlongwa?
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