The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) Registrar/CEO Dr. David Motau has been suspended for the second time this month over his arrest in a fraud matter.
Earlier this month, on 5 August, the acting health minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, announced that Dr. Motau had been placed on “precautionary suspension effective immediately”.
At the time Kubayi said Dr. Motau’s suspension followed receipt of a notice of his arrest.
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Dr. Motau faces serious allegations of fraud and corruption. The alleged crimes are linked to his tenure as the head of the Free State health department.
However, five days later Dr. Phaahla – who had just been appointed health minister – inexplicably lifted Dr. Motau’s suspension.
RELATED: New Health Minister Lifts Dr Motau Suspension
But on Wednesday, Dr. Phaahla changed his mind and again suspended Dr. Motau.
“The Minister of Health Dr. Joe Phaahla has placed the HPCSA Registrar/CEO, Dr David Motau on precautionary suspension pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct,” said a statement issued by the HPCSA.
“The suspension of the CEO is with effect from Wednesday, 25 August 2021.”
Dr. Motau, who was appointed CEO of the HPCSA in June, was arrested on Monday, 2 August 2021.
He appeared at the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court alongside 12 other suspects and was released on bail.
“The precautionary suspension of the Registrar/CEO is to maintain the integrity of the council whilst investigations are conducted,” said the HPSCA.
“Council will attend to this matter with the necessary caution, prudence and due diligence.”
Once the findings and recommendations of the investigation have been concluded a decision will be made on the way forward, said the HPCSA.
Commenting on Dr. Motau being suspended again, Professor Simon Nemutandani, president of HPCSA, said: “Council and the management team remain committed to ensuring business continuity which underpins continuous performance of the organisation”.
The health minister will soon appoint an acting Registrar/CEO to manage the operations of the HPCSA.
