President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to place Departmental Director General Sandile Buthelezi on precautionary suspension following his arrest on allegations of fraud and theft.

Buthelezi was one of three senior officials who were arrested in an ongoing investigation into allegations of theft and fraud of over R1-million in public funds from the Department of Health.

He will remain on precautionary suspension until his cases are finalised or until his contract comes to an end.

National Health Insurance Deputy Director General Professor Nicolas Crisp will act as Director General for three months.

Meanwhile, Motsoaledi has also placed the Deputy Director General for Hospitals Services, Tertiary Health Services and Human Resource Development Dr Percy Mahlati on precautionary suspension until his cases are finalised, or until the expiry of his contract.

Department CFO Phaswa Mamogale is also on precautionary suspension until his cases are finalised.

“Minister Motsoaledi would like to allow the law to take its course. All officials affected by the decision have been formally notified of their suspensions. Minister Motsoaledi would like to assure the stakeholders and public that the department will continue to function optimally according to its mandate,” his office said.