A deputy director in the Free State’s Department of Health is at the centre of a disgraceful allegation of falsifying qualifications. Mmulutsi Winston Mokwai (42) is charged with fraud following his arrest by the Bloemfontein’s Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team.
WO Fikiswa Matoti, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said Mokwai’s arrest followed an investigation uncovering his alleged false qualifications, launched after whistle-blowing regarding such.
“The Hawks received information that Mokwai, allegedly, presented fraudulent qualifications, such as a diploma in electrical engineering and degree certificates, as well as a temporary driver’s licence when he was appointed by the department in 2012. A thorough investigation confirmed that Mokwai’s electrical engineering diploma and degree certificates were fraudulent,” said Matoti.
She said Mokwai’s act negatively impacted on the department, which was prejudiced and suffered a monetary loss. “The amount prejudiced is yet to be confirmed,” said Matoti.
The fraud-accused Mokwai was granted bail of R2 000 after a brief appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court, yesterday – Thursday, 19 September. He is set to reappear on 28 October.
Maj. Gen. Mokgadi Bokaba, provincial head of the Hawks, has commended authorities within the provincial Department of Health for blowing the whistle and reporting the fraud. “Such misrepresentation is viewed in a serious light, especially in a country where rates of unemployment and poverty are high. Some qualified persons may be sitting at home unemployed,” said Bokaba.
