The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has escalated the Tembisa Hospital scandal by laying criminal charges against former provincial health Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Lerato Madyo. The move comes in connection with the tragic killing of whistleblower Babita Deokaran, whose revelations of corruption at Tembisa Hospital were allegedly ignored.
The DA accuses Madyo of failing to act on Deokaran’s report, suggesting she could have inadvertently tipped off the mastermind behind the murder. The party claims this inaction allowed the looting of approximately R2-billion in public funds through elaborate tender scams at the hospital.
At a press conference held at the Johannesburg Central Police Station, DA representatives outlined the seven charges against Madyo. These charges include failing to report corruption, theft, and fraud, conspiracy to commit an offense, and failing to stop irregular expenditures. The DA emphasized the gravity of these charges, particularly in light of Deokaran's murder and the massive financial losses incurred.
Jack Bloom of the DA stated, "We focused on them because we think it’s very relevant to the role of a chief financial officer and what Ms Madyo failed to do." He highlighted Section 81 of the relevant legislation, which covers financial misconduct wilfully or failing to exercise the duties of an accounting officer, emphasizing the potential for criminal sanctions.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) revealed last month that Tembisa Hospital had irregularly awarded tenders to the tune of R2 billion, further fueling public outrage and demands for accountability. The case against Madyo marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation and underscores the DA's commitment to uncovering the truth behind the Tembisa Hospital scandal.
Key Charges Against Lerato Madyo:
- Failing to report corruption
- Theft and fraud
- Conspiracy to commit an offense
- Failing to stop irregular expenditures
What's Next?
The Johannesburg Central Police Station will now investigate the charges laid by the DA. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for those involved in the alleged corruption at Tembisa Hospital and could potentially lead to further arrests and prosecutions.