By Everson Luhanga
The Gauteng health department says it has “learned with sadness about the untimely passing” of the CEO of Tembisa Hospital, Dr Ashley Mthunzi.
A statement said it “extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Dr Mthunzi as they navigate through this difficult period of mourning”.
Scrolla.Africa broke the story of Dr Mthunzi’s death after his wife posted the news of his passing on her Facebook page.
A close family friend confirmed to Scrolla.Africa that Mthunzi died after a short illness.
Several messages of condolences and support for his family were shared on social media.
One Facebook user who worked with him wrote: “Love you always Dr Ashley Mthunzi. May your beautiful soul rest in peace. May your wife Lerato Mthunzi be comforted during this difficult time, and may your kids, mom, dad, Sis and family be comforted. I can’t imagine what they are going through.”
At the time of his death, Mthunzi was still on the payroll of the Gauteng health department after being placed on precautionary suspension amid allegations of a possible link to the murder of health department financial accountant and whistleblower Babita Deokaran in August 2021.
A News24 report alleged that the hospital spent almost R850-million on irregular payments, including almost R480,000 to buy 200 pairs of skinny jeans for girls aged six to seven, which amounts to R2,500 a pair.
Mthunzi denied the allegations.
His funeral will be held on Saturday, 27 April, from 7am in Winchester Hills, Johannesburg.
Pictured above: Dr Ashly Mthunzi.
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