Sex-for-jobs accusation made against Mpumalanga official

Two jobseekers are accusing a department of health official for allegedly engaging in repeated sex escapades with them in exchange for employment at Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mbombela.

Mpumalanga News reported that the official, whose name is known to the publication, allegedly sexually exploited Zodwa Thabethe, 46, and Thandeka Mathebula, 33, at his KaNyamazane home over the past seven years.

To date, the promises of employment he reportedly made to them have not been met.

Two weeks ago, Thabethe and Mathebula came to Mpumalanga News’ offices and presented the newspaper with an SMS containing a death threat.

It was seemingly sent after the department launched investigations into the matter and the sender feared being identified.

“We will send people to kill you, this is a serious matter,” a translated version of the SMS read.

“He convinced me to sleep with him on several occasions, and I think a number of desperate, unemployed women and the youth at large might have been victims like myself,” said a worried Thabethe.

A statement from the department accused them of attempting to bribe the official with R3 500. They, however, denied this. The department also stated they had consented to perform sexual favours for him to secure employment.

It classified the matter as “private”.

When the two women went to the department to enquire about the statement, they were reportedly sent away.

Mathebula said they suspected the employees from the official’s office were protecting the official concerned.

She added that they still had audio recordings and an eWallet SMS from the perpetrator as evidence of what had been said.

The department of health’s media liaison officer, Chris Nobela, acknowledged the complaints made against the official.

“The department is aware of this matter and has not had other similar cases previously.

“According to the law, threatening another person is a criminal offence, therefore the victims must report the matter to the police.

“Once the allegations are reported, the matter will be investigated. A report will be compiled.

“If after that, the findings confirm there is possible misconduct on the part of our employee, disciplinary action will be instituted,” he added. – Caxton News Service