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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) welcomes the jailing of former Eastern Cape Department of Health messenger on charges relating to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) tender fraud to the value of more than R23 million.

Ayanda Matinise, a former messenger in the office of the then Eastern Cape Health MEC Sindiswa Gomba, is imprisoned on the charges of fraud, forgery, and uttering. Matinise was given a 10-year sentence by the Mthatha Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday, 7 February 2023.

The imprisonment of Matinise follows the SIU’s referral to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) after uncovering evidence pointing to criminal activity during the PPE investigation. The referral was in line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, which requires the SIU to refer evidence pointing to criminal conduct to the NPA for further action.

Full Statement Attached

Issued by The Special Investigating Unit