Cape Town – Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has placed three senior officials in the national department of health on precautionary suspension after they were charged with fraud and theft in connection with alleged irregular tender awards and misuse of public funds.
The officials Director-General Dr Sandile Buthelezi, deputy director‑general for hospital services, Dr Percy Mahlati, and chief financial officer Phineas Phaswa Mamogale appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court earlier this month on charges linked to more than R1 million spent irregularly, according to reporting on the matter.
“All officials affected by the decision have been formally notified of their suspensions,” said a statement from the department of health released on wednesday, adding that the minister wanted to “allow the law to take its course.”
Buthelezi, Mahlati and Mamogale were each granted bail of R10 000 and are expected back in court in june as the criminal process unfolds.
Motsoaledi, speaking on the decision, said the suspensions were necessary to protect the integrity of the department while the legal process progressed. “The department will continue to function optimally according to its mandate,” the ministry added.
Health Minister puts senior officials on suspension
Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has put the Director General, Dr Sandile Buthelezi on precautionary suspension until his cases are finalised or until his contract comes to an end, whichever comes first. pic.twitter.com/E20lGaWFoP
— National Department of Health (@HealthZA) March 11, 2026
To ensure continuity at the health department, the minister has appointed Professor Nicolas Crisp, the deputy director‑general responsible for national health insurance, as Acting Director‑general for the next three months.
the allegations centre on contracts and procurement processes that prosecutors say were irregularly awarded, leading to the misdirection of funds including from grants intended for fighting HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria to pay for internal disciplinary work.
Opposition parties and civil society groups have called for broader accountability and transparency measures, arguing the case reveals deeper governance challenges within the public health system.
The department said the suspensions will remain in place until the officials’ legal cases are concluded or until their contracts expire, whichever comes first.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
