KANYAMZANE – The official, whose name is known to this publication, is alleged to have sexually exploited Zodwa Thabethe (46) and Thandeka Mathebula (33) at his KaNyamazane home for the past seven years.
To date, the promises of employment he reportedly made towards the two have not been met.
Two weeks ago both Thabethe and Mathebula came to Mpumalanga News’ offices to report the matter. The women presented the newspaper with an SMS containing a death threat. It was seemingly sent after the department launched investigations into the matter and the sender feared being identified during these investigations. “We will send people to kill you, this is a serious matter,” a translated version of the SMS read.
“He convinced me to sleep with him on several occasions, and I think a number of desperate unemployed women and the youth at large might have been victims like myself, Kuyoze kube nini?” said a concerned Thabethe.
A statement from the department accused them of attempting to bribe the official with R3 500.
They denied this. It also stated that they had consented to perform sexual favours for him in order to secure their employment. The department classified the matter as “private”.
When the two women went to the department to inquire about the letter, they were reportedly sent away. Mathebula said they suspect the employees from the official’s office are protecting him, hence they keep chasing them away.
She also added that among other things, they still carry audios and an eWallet SMS from the perpetrator as evidence of what has been said.
The Department of Health’s media liaison officer, Mr Chris Nobela, acknowledged the legitimacy of the letter. “The department is aware of this matter and has not had other similar cases previously. According to the law, threatening another person is a criminal offence, therefore the victims must report the matter to the police. Once the allegations are reported, the matter will be investigated.
“A report will be compiled, if then the findings confirm possible misconduct on our employee, disciplinary action will be instituted,” he said.