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Two directors of companies that received the contract were outside the country, but the National Prosecutor’s Office (NPA) said the network was reaching out to them.
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 – Four former Gauteng health officials charged with fraud and corruption are accused not only of awarding a R1.2 billion contract without following procurement procedures, but also defied National Treasury directives that said there was no money.
Two company directors who received the contract were out of the country, but the National Prosecutor’s Office (NPA) said the network was reaching out to them.
The NPA alleges that after the contract was awarded, the officials received bribes, including houses and furniture.
The Palm Ridge Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday 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.
“This is where we allege there was corruption or conflict of interest when the companies were named, and two, there was no competitive bidding,” said NPA spokesman Sipho Ngwema.
But there was more.
“Also, when those deviations were made, it was assumed that the award had not taken place 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, “said Ngwema.
He said arrests of more officials were imminent, but the big question is: will they include former Gauteng Health MEC Brian Hlongwa?
WATCH: 4 Former Gauteng Health Officials Arrested for Bid Fraud and R1.2bn Corruption
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