Durban - A Joburg man who applied to study at UKZN’s Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine this year claims to have paid a bribe to secure his place but did not get in when he was unable to pay the full amount.
Muhammad Bilal Vadwa came forward to assist the university and the Sunday Tribune with their investigations this week, claiming he paid R20 000 to a high-ranking official whose name is known to the Sunday Tribune and the university.
The university confirmed it had now appointed an independent forensic auditor to look into the matter.
Vadwa, who is a first year MBChB student at another university, applied to UKZN last year for the 2016 academic year.
“I applied as a mature student because I already have a BSc from Wits University. I called on the office of the official and she gave me the runaround. We then exchanged cellphone numbers and after communicating several times, I took R15 000 to her home in Newlands,” said Vadwa.
He said the official subsequently requested a further R5 000 from him but instructed him to pay a motor mechanic to repair her vehicle.
“I had no more more money and when I went back to enquire, the official told me she and two others were sorting out a place for me but they needed R30 000 more,” he said.
He claims to have ended communication with her after that because he was granted a place at another university.
“I want this official suspended because what she did is unacceptable. She was desperate for any money she could get,” said Vadwa.
He said he was seeking legal advice and he and his attorney were drafting an affidavit.
Vadwa’s allegations emerged two weeks after the university confirmed it was investigating a possible syndicate accepting bribes to secure places for Indian South African students at the medical school and asked people to assist with the investigation.
This week, the university said it was aware of Vadwa’s claims.
“We are awaiting a copy of his sworn affidavit. An internal investigation into the serious allegations is under way and we are in contact with the SAPS which is looking into the matter,” said spokesman Lesiba Seshoka.
He said the university condemned any acts of corruption and disciplinary action would be taken against anyone found to have acted fraudulently. “No further statements will be issued on this matter until the investigation is complete,” he said.
The official who Vadwa made the claims against was contacted for comment. She said: “The investigation process should be left to be concluded.”
UKZN receives 8 300 applicants for 250 places at its medical school each year.
Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane confirmed fraud was being investigated.
Sunday Tribune