Hospital security – at provincial properties throughout Gauteng – along with security services at homes for abandoned and disabled children are part of an investigation into possible tender fraud by the Gauteng Provincial government.

The Gauteng MEC for Health and Social Development, Ntombi Mekgwe, says that the Special Investigating Unit is currently conducting 37 forensic audits while another 10 investigations are being handled by Gauteng Audit Services.

The investigations were prompted by various factors:

- In 2006 the cost of security services for 30 guards at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital was R1,7-million but this climbed to R30-million for 117 guards in 2009. The same year the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital spent R7,5-million employing 119 guards in 2006 but this increased to R20-million for 135 guards in 2009. 

- Dr Yusuf Dadoo spent R1,9-million on 17 guards in 2009 up from R229 000 for seven guards in 2006. At the same time Dr George Mukahri spent R8,8-million for 101 guards in 2009 compared with R1,3-million for seven guards in 2006. 

- The Far East Rand Hospital spent R3,2-million for 32 guards in 2009 compared with the R1,2-million it paid to 28 guards in 2006. At the Helen Joseph Hospital guarding services increased from R3,4-million for 42 guards in 2006 to R5,9-million in 2009. At Steve Biko Academic Hospital security cost R8,4-million for 84 guards in 2009 compared with R5-million for 56 guards in 2006.

The department has not released any details about the investigation into guarding services at the hospital.

The Special Investigating Unit is also investigating allegations of fraud against Duduzile  Ellen Ndala who was found guilty of depositing R277 079,49  into her personal account. 

She promised to repay the money after she was found guilty but is now a fugitive from the law as she did not appear in court for sentencing on April 4 this year. 

The Takalani Home for Mentally Disabled in Diepkloof is also being investigated amid allegations of financial mismanagement at the home. 

Other investigations being conducted by the Special Investigating Unit will examine the abuse of state transport and travel allowances paid by social welfare organisations in the province. 

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