Johannesburg -
A human resources practitioner from Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital has been arrested in connection with allegations of fraud and embezzlement of nearly R600 000.
This came after an investigation revealed the man had fraudulently diverted hospital funds into his personal bank account.
The modus operandi of the official, whose name is known to The Star, involved him purposely making a payment of funds into the accounts of nursing staff.
The man would then approach the staffers using the SMS confirmation of the payment as proof of a “mistaken” payment, and explain that the money transfer would have to be reversed.
Instead of the payment being returned to the health department’s coffers, the money would then be paid into his own bank account.
The Star has confirmed the official concerned was responsible for eight similar fraudulent payments.
On Sunday, Gauteng Department of Health spokesman Simon Zwane said the department welcomed the arrest.
Zwane invited anyone who might have information relating to such fraudulent payment activities to come forward and assist the police in their investigations.
The story emerged last month when hospital management received a tip-off regarding a scheduled exchange of funds.
Statements were subsequently taken from several officials, who confirmed they had either transferred or deposited money into the official’s personal account.
In one instance, the official deposited close to R138 000 into the account of one of the nursing staff.
When the extent of the amount of money involved had been assessed, a case was registered and a warrant of arrest was issued.
The official was arrested on Thursday on the hospital’s premises.
Investigators said the total amount alleged to have been embezzled would be determined only on completion of the probe.
Zwane said despite the arrest the department would continue to work with the Hawks to trace other payments and obtain further statements, which would form part of the case.
He said although the official had been arrested, disciplinary action would be instituted and would run concurrently with the fraud case.
The Star