FREE STATE: Company director Johnson Gerald Similo (47) and his company Siphilile Investments (Pty) Ltd, were found guilty and sentenced by the Free State High Court on Friday, 8 November 2024.

The accused are among the over 20 suspects, including six companies; seven directors; and 13 government officials arrested in 2021 on allegations of fraud and money laundering involving R8,7 million. A Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation had ensued following the discovery of irregularities by the office of the Auditor-General in 2015. Fraudulent payments were made to service providers between January 2011 and December 2015 under the pretext that they would provide training. The payments were done without actual services being rendered. As a result, the Department of Health was prejudiced and suffered a loss of R8,7 million.

John Gerald Similo was sentenced to five years imprisonment wholly suspended for five years on condition that he is not found guilty of fraud and money laundering during the period of suspension. His company, Siphilile Investments (Pty) Ltd was fined R200 000 wholly suspended for five years on condition that it is not found guilty of fraud and money laundering during the period of suspension. The trial against the remaining accused is set for 11 November 2024 in the Free State High Court sitting in Bloemfontein. Amongst those appearing will be both former and current Heads of the Department.

Enquiries: Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli 

079 693 7746