Falsifying qualifications: Premier’s HR director charged
A former human resources director in the Office of the Premier, on Monday paid bail of R25 000 for his release after having being in custody since last Thursday and being charged with fraud since he is suspected of falsifying his qualifications to obtain the position in 2012.
That was confirmed by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Mashudu MalabiDzhangi who told Polokwane Observer that the state did not oppose bail in the matter against Mbobole Michael Maseko (59).
“He was granted bail with certain conditions,” Malabi-Dzhangi said, confirming his next court appearance on April 29. The NPA is expected to conclude its investigation soon, she added.
When the Hawks in Limpopo announced his arrest last week, it was emphasised that his appointment resulted in a loss of R11m for the Office of The Premier.
The provincial investigating directorate’s spokesperson, Lethunya Mmuroa explained in part the process the premier’s office undertook that resulted in his appointment, but did not make mention of the efforts made to verify Maseko’s qualifications.
“He misrepresented his qualifications when applying for an advertised position. He was shortlisted and eventually appointed into the position,” he mentioned.
Following Maseko’s arrest, DA Limpopo leader Lindy Wilson released a statement explaining that an African female had been the preferred candidate for the position, before the posts were re-advertised for, in the DA’s presumption, Maseko’s advantage.
“The Office of the Premier re-advertised the position, did not shortlist her, but she was sent for a competency test together with Mr Mbobole Michael Maseko who was later appointed in the position,” she stated.
“The arrest confirmed our long-held view that human resources policies are flouted to sacrifice competency, to appoint unqualified cadres in the Office of the Premier,” Wilson remarked. Provincial Government declined the opportunity to comment, through a written statement dated April 19, until the legal process has been completed.