A police official attached to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and a Tembisa Hospital employee are expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court this morning, November 24 on charges of corruption.

According to allegations, on Friday, November 21, a DPCI Sergeant informed a fellow officer that a 53-year-old Tembisa Hospital official wanted assistance regarding an ongoing investigation involving the hospital.

Also read: Gauteng Government backs SIU findings on corruption at Tembisa Hospital

The Sergeant indicated that the official was prepared to offer gratification to avoid prosecution.

On Sunday, November 23, the Hawks member and the hospital official met with the investigator assigned to the case and handed over R100 000 in cash as gratification.

The DPCI’s Serious Corruption Investigation unit, acting on an operation authorised by the Director of Public Prosecutions, arrested both suspects shortly thereafter.

Also read: SIU uncovers over R2bn looted from Tembisa Hospital by three syndicates

The acting national head of the DPCI, Lieutenant General Siphosihle Nkosi, commended the investigating officer for refusing to be swayed by criminal solicitation.

“We assure the public that investigations relating to corruption at Tembisa Hospital will continue without deterrence.

“We also emphasise that those within the DPCI who involve themselves in criminal activities will be rooted out of the organisation,” said Nkosi.