PPE SCANDAL CAUGHT UP WITH FORMER SECRETARY
MPUMALANGA: The Covid-19 pandemic impoverished a number of people. Most lost their source of income, be it business or employment. On the other hand, selected individuals unlawfully benefitted from dishonest activities.
The Director’s secretary from the Mpumalanga Department of Health engaged herself in fraudulent activities that led the department to suffer a loss of close to R5 million in 2020.
According to information, the secretary colluded with two service providers and allegedly faked the purchase and delivery of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). As a result, the service providers unlawfully benefitted from the products that were never delivered. After receiving the payments, it also emanated that the service providers purchased a residential property worth R1 500 000 in Barberton that was registered in the company named Zanderson Establishment, with the sole director, the secretary’s daughter, Yolanda Sanderson.
The house was later sold for the same amount. Shortly thereafter, the family bought another residential house in Sunninghill, Johannesburg. The house was then registered in the company named SS Umoya under the former secretary’s name, Sanele Sanderson.
After thorough investigation, the Hawks Asset Investigation in Mpumalanga successfully obtained a preservation order to forfeit the house and three vehicles. The forfeiture order was issued by the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, Mbombela, on Tuesday, 20 May 2025.
The forfeited house is estimated at R1 5000 000, and the three vehicles, owned by the two service providers, a Toyota Quantum, Hyundai Light Delivery Vehicle, and a VW Golf are estimated at the combined value of R1 000 000.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga Major General Nico Gerber said the Hawks will continue with the criminal investigation. “Benefits derived from proceeds of crime, as is the case in this matter, will be traced , restraint, forfeited and sold to recoup the states losses! This is a clear example of law enforcement entities working in collaboration with one another. The Asset Forfeiture of the National Prosecuting Authority and the Asset Investigation Section of the Hawks collaborated and ensured the successful forfeiture. This must send a stern message that we will seize assets no matter how it is disguised if bought through proceeds of crime. Crime must not pay!” said the General.
