Health boss suspended

PRECAUTIONARY: ALLOWS HIM TO PREPARE FOR DISCIPLINARY HEARING

Thabo Lekalakala reportedly paid R30m to a Gupta-linked company for a clinic.

After confirming the second suspension of its head, the North West department of health explained it did so to give him time to prepare for his upcoming disciplinary hearing on December 11 and 12.

The department’s spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane, told OFM News on Saturday that Thabo Lekalakala’s presence at work will interfere with the smooth running of the disciplinary process.

OFM News previously reported that Lekalakala is charged with procurement irregularities for his involvement in the Gupta-linked Mediosa company and misrepresentation of facts after he stated that he had worked as a chief director.

Lekgethwane says the suspension is based on the nature and seriousness of the allegations levelled against Lekalakala as well as the ongoing disciplinary. “This suspension will allow the investigation to run smoothly,” says Lekgethwane. According to reports, Lekalakala paid Mediosa R30 million up front for a mobile clinic.

Health MEC Magome Masike said the department would claim back the money from Mediosa. – OFM News