Johannesburg – A former senior manager at the Witwatersrand University's Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (WHRI) has been arrested in the United States on an allegation of misappropriation of donor funds, the university said on Thursday.
The institution said alleged financial irregularities were first identified by WHRI, after which an investigation was instituted.
"The person was questioned, suspended and he resigned from his position. His laptop was seized and a forensic audit was conducted. [Aid group] USAID was immediately informed and the WRHI appointed KPMG to conduct a forensic audit. "
"The WRHI, USAID, KPMG and the office of the Inspector General in the US cooperated throughout the investigation. A criminal case has also been opened with the South African Police Services," the university said.
The bulk of the money misappropriated would be covered by insurance the university added.
"The project will not suffer any reduction in funding and there will be no direct loss to USAID. As a precautionary measure, the WRHI has undertaken a comprehensive review of all grants and activities and no other irregularities have been identified," said the institution.