EASTERN CAPE – The East London based Serious Corruption Investigation team of the Hawks together with National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) ensured that the East London Regional court 5 convicted and sentenced Sicelo Michael Sonjica (49) on 5 December 2023 for fraud, forgery and uttering. Whilst the case against his co-accused Palesa Patient Molekane (46), Nonceba Maggie Mpelwane (54), Ntombizodwa Precious Sibidla (43), Lebuhang Eunice Raisa Busakwe (47) and Sempe Johannes Mohare (42) is still pending. Sonjica is amongst the six (6) Emergency Medical Services officials that were arrested on 21 August 2023 and released on R5000 bail each.
On 10 December 2014, the Eastern Cape Department of Health advertised 730 positions for Emergency Medical Care Services officers in all eight districts of the Eastern Cape Province. The requirements for the positions were inter alia Grade 12 or equivalent certificate. The six officials applied, were shortlisted, interviewed and employed. They started on their positions on 8 April 2015.
On 24 March 2022, the officials were requested to submit their original certificates and the officials allegedly failed to submit the original certificates. The department embarked on verification of qualification where their Grade 12 certificates where declared fraudulent and the matter was referred to the Hawks for investigation.
The investigation further revealed that the Department of Health was prejudiced cash to more than R7,9 million. Sonjica made numerous court appearances until he was convicted and sentenced on 5 December 2023. Sonjica was sentenced to five (5) years imprisonment suspended for five (5) years on condition that he is no found guilty of fraud, forgery and uttering during the period of suspension. In addition, he was sentenced to two (2) years correctional supervision.
Content retrieved from: https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=50083.