Durban woman sought in R32m health fraud case

The crime-fighting unit says in 2013, the KZN Department of Health is said to have awarded a 36-month lease to Mzansi Life-Care company for the hiring of a mobile clinic. 

Supply chain management processes were apparently ignored when the contract was later extended. 

Hawks KZN spokesperson Simphiwe Mhlongo says in 2016 the same company was awarded a tender to purchase four mobile clinics valued at R23 million. 

He says again, the proper processes weren't followed. 

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And things became complicated when roadworthy certificates couldn't be obtained for the clinics as they were registered under the company's name and not KZN Health. 

"The roadworthy certificates were not obtained by the department and the vehicles were parked off for three years. It is alleged that the Director of Mzansi Life Care, Nandi Msimang fraudulently removed the four mobile clinics and sold them as a result the department suffered a loss of R32 million.

"A case of fraud was reported at Pietermaritzburg police station and the case docket was allocated to the Durban-based Hawks' Serious Corruption Investigation for an intensive probe. A warrant of arrest has been issued for Nandi and the Hawks are looking for her in connection with this case."

Meanwhile, two senior health officials including KZN's former HOD Dr Sibongile Zungu and Sifiso Mtshali appeared in court this week on charges of fraud. Their case has been postponed to August.