The head of Gauteng’s health department, Lesiba Malotana, who was placed on suspension by Premier Panyaza Lesufi on Wednesday, is challenging his suspension in court.

Lesufi’s office confirmed that it had been served with papers from the suspended head of department (HOD). According to the provincial health department, Malotana’s suspension is not related to the R2 billion Tembisa Hospital fraud scandal, but stems from a different SIU report. Lesufi revealed this on Friday at a function in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni.

He indicated: “The reality is that the SIU indicated that they’ve just released a criminal report on Tembisa Hospital. They are still investigating. But they gave me a separate report on the basis of the leadership of the department. And on the basis of that report, I acted. I can confirm that I received papers that gave me 48 hours from the legal firm representing the HOD, advising me to reverse that decision. I’m preparing papers to oppose that request.” Lesufi has appointment Dr Darion Barclay to act in Malotana’s place.

• Read the original of the report in the above regard at SABC News

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