An additional suspect has appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria in connection with the alleged theft of more than R1 million from the National Department of Health.
Nokuzola Mafunda, 69, briefly appeared in court on Thursday following her arrest on charges of fraud and theft. She is accused of playing a role in the alleged misappropriation of funds that were intended for COVID-19 related activities.
Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said Mafunda joins three senior officials from the National Department of Health who appeared earlier this week in connection with the matter.
They are Dr Malixole Mahlathi,67, Deputy Director-General: Tertiary Health and Hospital Services and subsequently Acting Head/Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services; Mr Phineas Phaswa Mamogale, 46, Chief Financial Officer; and Dr Sabelo Siyabonga Sandile Buthelezi,55, Director-General.
The trio appeared in court on March 2, 2026, and were each granted bail of R10,000. They are expected to return to court on June 3, 2026.
Mogale stated that investigators launched an in-depth probe launched in April 2024 uncovered allegations that in 2023 more than R1 million was improperly awarded to a service provider linked to Mafunda, in contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said Ithani Amen Pty Ltd was registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) in August 2023. Just nine days later, the company was allegedly appointed by the National Department of Health to conduct investigative services in an internal disciplinary hearing.
Two months after the appointment, in November 2023, Mafunda allegedly submitted an invoice of more than R530,000 to the department using her personal name and banking details.
The invoice was reportedly not paid because the company was not registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD), as required by National Treasury regulations, and supply chain management policies do not permit payments to individuals.
“In January 2025, the company was registered on the CSD. Thereafter, payments totalling more than R940,000 were allegedly made to the company between 12 February 2024 and 14 January 2025,” said Mahanjana.
Mafunda was granted R10,000 bail under the same conditions as her co-accused and is expected to make her next appearance in court on June 3, 2026.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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