DEPUTY DIRECTOR CHARGED FOR FAKING QUALIFICATIONS

Photo: Mmulutsi Winston Mokwai

Supplied

By: Neo Ntsele

Mmulutsi Winston Mokwai 42, a deputy director in the Free State Department of Health, made a brief appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 17, after charges of fraud were brought against him by the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Bloemfontein.

The Hawks received information that Mokwai allegedly presented fraudulent qualifications and temporary driver's license when he was appointed by the department in 2012.

A thorough investigation into the matter was launched, which confirmed that Mokwai's electrical engineering diploma and degree certificates were fraudulent.

As a result, the Department of Health was prejudiced and suffered monetary loss to the amount yet to be confirmed.

Mokwai was granted R2 000 bail and is expected to reappear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates' Court on 28 October 2024.

Free State Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Major General Mokgadi Bokaba has praised authorities in the department for reporting the fraud.

"Such misrepresentation is viewed in a serious light, especially in a country where unemployment rate and poverty are high. Someone qualified may be sitting at home unemployed," said Bokaba.