Mmulutsi Winston Mokwai accused of fraud. Photo: Supplied
A deputy director of the Free State Department of Health is at the centre of a scandalous allegation of falsifying qualifications. Mmulutsi Winston Mokwai (42) is accused of fraud following his arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in Bloemfontein.
Hawks spokesman WO Fikiswa Matoti said Mokwai’s arrest followed an investigation into his alleged false credentials, which was launched following whistleblower reports.
“The Hawks received information that Mokwai allegedly presented fraudulent qualifications such as a diploma in electrical engineering and diploma certificates, as well as a temporary driving licence when he was appointed by the department in 2012. A thorough investigation confirmed that Mokwai’s diploma and diploma certificates in electrical engineering were fraudulent,” Matoti said.
She said Mokwai’s action had a negative impact on the department, which was disadvantaged and suffered a financial loss. “The amount of disadvantage is yet to be confirmed,” Matoti said.
Fraud accused Mokwai was granted R2 000 bail after a brief appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court yesterday – Thursday 19 September. He will appear again on 28 October.
Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, the Hawks’ provincial chief, has praised authorities within the provincial health ministry for blowing the whistle and reporting the fraud. “Such misrepresentation is considered serious, especially in a country where unemployment and poverty rates are high. Some qualified individuals may be sitting at home without work,” Bokaba said.
Teboho Setena
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