THREE senior Department of Health officials placed on precautionary suspension.
This after they were nabbed over allegations that more than R1 million meant to fight HIV was stolen.
Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, suspended director-general, Sandile Buthelezi, deputy director-general, Malixole Mahlathi and chief financial officer, Phineas Mamogale following their arrests earlier this month.
The trio was arrested on 2 March and appeared in the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court on fraud and theft charges.
They are accused of allegedly siphoning funds from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The money was intended to support programmes fighting HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and malaria in Mzansi.
The three officials were released on R10 000 bail each.
Motsoaledi confirmed the officials will remain on precautionary suspension until their criminal cases are finalised or until their contracts expire, whichever happens first.
ALSO READ | Three men gunned down execution styleOpens in new window
"All officials affected by the decision have been formally notified of their suspensions," said Department of Health spokesman, Foster Mohale.
He said the minister has appointed deputy director-general for National Health Insurance, Nicholas Crisp, as acting director-general for a period of three months.
Mohale said the department wants to allow the law to take its course while ensuring it continues to function and deliver services.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has welcomed the minister's decision, describing it as "a strong and necessary move against corruption".
Cosatu said too often officials accused of corruption are allowed to continue working while investigations drag on.
The union federation said the suspensions send an important message to donor organisations that theft of funds meant to assist Mzansi in the fight against HIV, TB and malaria will not be tolerated.
Cosatu has also called on the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure those found guilty are prosecuted, their assets seized and they face jail time.
