Free State Health HOD In Court For Contravention Of PFMA
BLOEMFONTEIN: The Head of the Free State Department of Health Godfrey Mahlatsi, has appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court earlier today after he was charged for the contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Mahlatsi was added to a case that was placed before the court last year involving former and current officials of the department.
The accused is facing 44 counts, of contravening the Public Finance Management Act and his failure to ensure or prevent unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure to the amount of R8,7 million, which was paid by the department for services that were not rendered during the time he was the accounting officer. The state alleges that he failed to take necessary steps, against responsible officials even after the Auditor General had notified the department that the transactions were unlawful.
Other accused who were charged last year in the same matter are David Motau, Motsumi Polori, Sarah Legobate, Gloria Gogo, John Chakane, Limakatso Mabitle, Hazel Ncukana, Colleen Kala, Jack Letlojane, Tsietsi Polori, Simon Johnson, Thabo Moeti, Victor Kwababa, Simon Njonga, Lebohang Beqezi and Charity Moloi.
They are charged together with six companies which are Tsa Rona Consultancy, Siphilile Investments, Azrago, Land Breeze Trading 623, Akholwa Consultancy Training and Zen Communications. They are facing a total of 304 charges that include contravention of the Public Finance Management Act, fraud, corruption, forgery, and money laundering.
Mahlatsi was released on bail of R5000 and he will appear together with others on 14 March 2022 after the state requested a postponement for the finalisation of the indictment.
Issued by:
PHALADI SHUPING
REGIONAL SPOKESPERSON: DPP FREE STATE
083 699 5900