The Gauteng Health Department has dismissed a senior official in its risk management and internal controls after he was found guilty of gross misconduct.
Abbey Marokoane, a former chief director of Risk Management and Internal Controls in the Gauteng Department of Health, was suspended on 9 December last year, following allegations of serious misconduct.
This followed his arrest, and appearance at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria on 28 November, where he was granted bail.
A disciplinary hearing was finalised at the end of January 2015 which found him guilty of gross misconduct.
“The department views the transgressions of this senior official in a serious light. Lack of integrity feeds corruption and tarnishes the image of the department,” said the department’s spokesperson Prince Hamnca.
“Public healthcare is the only hope for the majority of people who cannot afford private healthcare.”
According to DA Shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom, Marokoane was fired for failing to disclose that he was facing charges of fraud, money laundering and for alleged corruption concerning hospital security contracts.
However, he was not fired on grounds of fraud as this is a separate process that will be determined in court.
“I am pleased that the department has acted swiftly in this case, unlike other cases where officials are suspended with pay for long periods of time,” said Bloom.
According to Bloom, the Gauteng Health Department has wasted R16.2 million by choosing the most expensive security contract for hospitals and he suspects corruption was involved.
