The Free State Department of Health is to institute disciplinary proceedings against an employee facing criminal charges relating to the theft of antiretroviral (ARV) medication and burglary at the Boshof Clinic.
Matshidiso Gabriel Makoko (51) works at the emergency medical services (EMS).
He was arrested in Bloemfontein on 1 February together with two accomplices, Josa Vakele Bonane (42) and Moeketsi Ishmael Nonyane (28).
The Mangaung Metro Tactical Response team pounced on the trio and found ARV medication worth R85 000 in their possession.
A preliminary investigation by the police revealed the medication had been stolen during a burglary at a clinic on 31 January. The facility is situated in the township at Boshof.
Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the department, said an investigation into the burglary and the involvement of the employee was underway.
“The department is to follow all due labour relations processes, which will result in a hearing and disciplinary process to determine the innocence or guilt of the implicated person who works for the department,” he said.
Mvambi said the Free State MEC for Health, Montseng Tsiu, has strongly condemned the malicious break-in at the public facility, as well as the theft of medication.
“The clinic is a community asset,” said Mvambi.
“The theft of life-saving drugs and a break-in is costing the department a lot of money in repairs, acquisition and distribution.”
The police had nabbed the suspects at the Northridge Mall in Helicon Heights, Bloemfontein, acting after receiving reliable information.
The three men were granted bail after successful application in the Boshof Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (09/02).
