By Thys Khiba – Former head of the North West health department, Dr Andrew Lekalakala’s fraud case commenced at the High Court of South Africa; North West Division on Tuesday, 08 August 2023.
His court appearance comes after the alleged fraudulent awarding of a contract for mobile clinics to Mediosa Health Pty (Ltd) in February 2017. This is a company linked to the Guptafamily.
High Court of South Africa; North West Division. Photo Supplied
Lekalakala is facing two charges of fraud, one of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and another, in terms of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA).
The mobile clinics were introduced to service rural communities in the province.
It is alleged that Mediosa Health received an upfront payment of R30 million.
Meanwhile Lekalakala is alleged to have received gratification in a form of a trip to India, accompanied by his spouse and his associates.
“The state also intends to prove that the service level agreement was signed on this trip and not at the Department of Health offices,” said Mamothame.
In Court
The case started with cross-examination of a state witness, who worked for the National Department of Health at the time the fraud allegedly occurred.
The State is also expected to call on more witnesses during the trial.
Free State
Mamothame indicated a similar project was already being implemented in the Free State province.
The accused, as the then accounting officer, allegedly decided to take part in the same contract.
It is alleged that Lekalakala elected to apply the Treasury Regulations that allow for participation in an existing contract arranged by another organ of state, with the same contract terms.
Mamothame said: “It was however discovered that the awarding of this contract did not comply with Treasury Regulations and the project was not budgeted for.
“The accused also falsely indicated during a management meeting that the service by Mediosa Health was a National Department of Health initiative that would be rolled out to other provinces.
“He further lied that there was compliance with the Treasury Regulations,” Mamothame said.
Lekalakala is still out on an extended R5000 bail.
Meanwhile, in 2021, Lekalakala and former finance MEC Wendy Nelson were acquitted on fraud charges by the high court in Mafikeng.
This is relation to his appointment to the position of superintendent-general in the health department. Nelson was chairing the panel during the interview.
She was accused of recommending Lekalakala for the senior position, while she allegedly knew of Lekalakala’s misinterpretation on the Z83 job application form.
Dr Andrew Lekalakala is a seasoned Administrator with a wealth of expirience in the public service He is a qualified Health professional with a medical degree amongst other qualifications He has experience in the public service in both middle and senior management.
— NWPG (@NWPGOV) January 19, 2018
@centralnewsza
_________________________________________
Central News offers sponsored articles, Print Media, Social Media Marketing, Door To Door Pamphlet Distribution, display branding partnerships, podcast services, newsletters, live streaming , Radio & Television Content Development and paid interviews.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #fscentralnews #nwcentralnews #gautengcentralnews
CENTRAL NEWS
Central News Issue 016 | Download the latest weekly edition| Top Story : “ANC removes ‘corrupt’ DA mayor in Metsimaholo Municipality”
Central News Issue 016: Download the latest weekly edition of Central News Print and Digital Newspaper. Top Stories : “ANC removes ‘corrupt’ DA mayor in Metsimaholo Municipality“
Download Here:
Read our latest publication on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues/