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Bogus Covid-19 researchers have been going around, drawing blood samples from people, the Limpopo health department warned.
- The order to freeze the pension of the CFO of the Department of Agriculture, Agrarian Reform and Rural Development, Jacob Basil Hlatshwayo, has been extended
- The order follows an investigation by the SIU into the alleged irregular award of a PPE contract to a company by the department.
- Hlatshwayo was ordered to pay legal costs for opposing the extension request.
The Special Court has issued an order that froze the pension of the former CFO of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Jacob Hlatshwayo, pending civil proceedings against him for the irregular award of tenders for personal protective equipment (PPE)
In a virtual session on Friday, Judge Lebogang Modiba extended an order granted in December for Hlatshwayo to demonstrate why the interim order should not be final. It has been extended until March 8.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) approached the court in December to ask it to prohibit the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) from releasing Hlatshwayo’s pension.
“The plaintiffs in the matter [the SIU] argued before the Special Court that they intend to initiate a civil proceeding against Mr. Hlatshwayo to recover the losses suffered by the state as a result of his alleged misconduct. As this unfolded, Mr. Hlatshwayo resigned, “the court said.
It stated, in the judgment, that in the event of a fault being established, both the SIU and the department had the right to demand that the GEPF deduct the money from the Hlatshwayo pension fund.
He was also ordered to pay legal fees for opposing the extension.
“This is after he raised technical issues with the extension of the nisi rule from March 1, 2021 to March 8, 2021. It is alleged before the Special Court that Mr. Hlatshwayo is involved in procurement misconduct related to Covid-19, “the court said.
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