Full-scale investigations aimed at uncovering the possible existence of more “ghost workers” in the Free State’s Department of Health are underway. The investigations involve the department and the Bloemfontein Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team.
The launch of the investigations came after the department discovered three workers who were fraudulently placed on the department’s payroll and earning salaries. Following this discovery, the department immediately suspended at least four civil servants, three Human Resources (HR) officials, and one administration clerk. Their suspension came after preliminary findings by the department’s internal investigation undertaken during the period of 5 to 13 February.
WO Fikiswa Matoti, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, confirmed the department has registered a case for further investigation concerning the alleged ghost workers. “There is a case registered concerning the Department of Health and the investigation into the matter is ongoing,” said Matoti.
Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the department, said the department had referred the matter to the elite crime fighting unit for full investigation after internal investigation discovered the fraudulent activity. He said initial findings revealed the officials allegedly manipulated the department’s systems to place the ghost workers on the payroll and their payment.
“Internal investigations currently underway have identified three such ghost workers who were all fictitiously appointed as medical interns. A possibility exists to suspend more officials should such be discovered,” said Mvambi.
